style-section

Category : Style

As a coffee fanatic mom of two, I am totally on-board with idea of caffeine in my beauty products.  It can be so helpful for things like tightening the skin, smoothing cellulite, and de-puffing these tired-mommy eyes.  You can usually see an immediate effect from caffeine in skincare, which I also love.  Ready to add caffeine to your beauty routine?  Browse my picks to find a caffeinated beauty product made to kick-start your skin!

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Kate Somerville Exfolikate Body - This exfoliator is my all-time favorite caffeine-infused beauty treatment!  The enzymes and acids mix making this the hardest working body exfoliator I have tried.  The caffeine tightens and firms skin for results you cannot deny. Kate Somerville, $65.00

Bliss FatGirl Soap - Start with a caffeine soap in the morning to really get your skin in shape.  The massaging nubs are half the fun in this little bar that will help with firming and toning.  Perfect for known cellulite trouble spots in thighs and arms.  Bliss, $19

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinke Reducing Eye Cream - We all want to wake up with a fresh look, and this eye cream from Kiehl’s includes caffeine for reducing puffiness.  It could be your quick fix in the a.m.! Kiehl’s, $42.00

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer - The coffee and ginseng in this oil-free moisturizer has the power to create a healthy glow.  I could get used to that!  The lemon, grapefruit and spearmint combine for an energizing fragrance.  Origins, $26.50

LORAC TANtalizer Award Show Glow - The allure of looking like a star on the red carpet gets me every time!  Get a tan, toned, gorgeous glowy look with this body bronzer. Caffeine and anti-cellulite ingredients work hard to firm skin and the bronzy formula provides color worthy of a star. LORAC Cosmetics, $32

Psssst Volumizing Boost Powder - Give your hair a boost of caffeine by adding this powder to roots for volume.  It will absorb oils and can even revive hair at the end of a long day.  A quick save for your style!  ULTA, $6.99

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer - Made for smoothing the under eye area before foundation, this primer gets an anti-aging boost from caffeine and peptides.  The optical diffusers make this product a must for those with under eye issues. Sephora, $29

Bobbi Brown BB Cream - The caffeine in this BB cream works with the botanical extracts and peptides to provide skin with a flawless finish.  This product really does it all, from controlling oil to reducing the appearance of fine lines.  This could be your one-step fresh face when you are on-the-go!  Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, $42

Do you have any favorite caffeinated beauty products currently in rotation?

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32 weeks

It’s finally skirt and sandals weather! Just in time.

The weather has changed drastically from a week ago, and I could not be happier. It’s nice enough to wear skirts and dresses, and my 32 week uncomfortable pregnant self is ecstatic. No more squeezing into jeans for this mama!

I am always a big lover of clothing that can be worn during pregnancy and after as well, and this skirt I scored from American Eagle will be perfect for that. It has a stretchy elastic waist, so it will accommodate a large baby belly, but can be worn just as easily post-partum. I love the bright coral colour of the skirt for spring (and summer!). I can also see this skirt being worn with a striped tee and denim jacket! I wore flat gladiator sandals with this outfit, but you could also swap them for a pair of  heels or comfy wedges to amp up the look.

Now that I’m 32 weeks, my time as a pregnant woman is slowly coming to a close. I’m ready to get back to feeling like myself, but I know I will miss pregnancy. I’ve been lucky to have a very uncomplicated and healthy pregnancy so far, and it has made this experience the second time around so enjoyable. I’ve been staying consistent with prenatal yoga, birth ball exercises and my nightly cup of red raspberry leaf tea, so I’m hoping this body is ready to birth a baby and my goal of having a VBAC will be accomplished!

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Family Pictures What to Wear

Spring is in full swing, are you planning your family photos? With all the beautiful blooming colors it’s surly the perfect time and today I’ve styled the whole family. I’ve said it before, I’m not a huge fan of those family pictures where everyone is wearing the same thing. It can be fun but it’s always best to choose colors that work for everyone while still showcasing a little personality. I suggest choosing a few colors that compliment the whole family and work from there.

For the style board today the main colors I’ve chosen are navy blue, mint blue and little pops of pink and yellow – perfect to bring out all of those beautiful colors of spring.

For mom we have just a solid color navy dress worn with a neutral wedge and brought out a pop of yellow in the bubble necklace.

Daughter is wearing a cute floral dress that will bring out all of the solid colors the family is wearing. This dress is a bit on the spendy side but there are no shortage of cute floral dresses for girls that are sure to look fantastic for a family photo.

The son is wearing a basic pair of khaki pants with a stylish Gymboree pocket polo shirt in the color wave blue, finishing the look with a navy pair of shoes.

Dad is wearing a basic navy blue polo shirt with a pair of khaki pants and brown shoes.

This is a great way to create a cohesive family look that is sure to make one perfect picture.

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Style Suite Laguna Niguel 2013

Last week was an exciting week, not only did I attend the Mom 2.0 Conference and see so many fabulous online women, but my stylish partner in crime, Nicole Feliciano of MomTrends and I hosted another Style Suite. This time is was a much smaller and more intimate affair for about 30 bloggers. I mean, if NIcole was going to fly across country to sunny southern California, then naturally we wanted to gather some of our online friends and some of our favorite brands to co-mingle, network and support one another.

Rivet & Sway Style Suite
Rivet & Sway, my latest obsession, brought the eye candy. Literally. The ladies got to play dress up with these fashionable glasses all night long. The lovely Britt and Emily from Rivet & Sway taught all the attendee’s how to find the right fit for their face, hair and own personal style. This is a fashion brand to watch ladies, get ‘em while their hot!  Read my Rivet & Sway complete review and see how exceptional the ordering process is front start to finish.  I was highly impressed.

The Mother Company

Abbie Schiller and Samantha Curtzman-Counter fromThe Mother Company were in the Style Suite and I have to say, these two women are wicked smart, passionate and powerful.  Their goal is simple; to help parents raise good people. Through their website, books, dvd’s, and award winning shows they are some of today’s most influential women. Their mission goes deep and not only are these ladies producing exceptional educational products for kids, they also understand the importance and power of women in media.

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The ladies from Mama Mio are amazing.  They always swoop in and set up a pamper me spot that is like a little slice of spa heaven. They gave all the women 10 minute hand and arm massages leaving our skin soft, silky and smooth. That 10 minutes of exfoliation and gentle massaging was just enough to make me feel relaxed yet re-energized.

Ergo Baby
Ergo Baby, not only one of the most stylish baby carriers but was also named the product of the year by BabyCenter in 2012. The Ergo Baby community is a loyal and passionate one that has even begun to cross boarders by collaborating with Every Mother Counts to support even more moms all around the world.  Ergo Baby is a brand that has a strong foundation in supporting women and children which is why we proudly support them.

The entire night was a fusion of smart women celebrating, collaborating and supporting one another and of course, keeping it stylish!

Style Suite Friends

Thank you to London Times Fashion for our fabulous dresses, Coolibar for gifting our guests some stylish hats and Tide for giving us a little gift for on the go!

Disclosure:  This event was sponsored and these sponsorships help to support my business and travel expenses.  As a small, unique independent publisher these brand partnerships and collaborations are essential to the success of many women in the online creative space. I choose to work with brands that understand and respect this.

 

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Welcome to Savvy Sassy Moms – What We Wore Wednesday!

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What Tina Wore – “I attended a cocktail event unveiling the new Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL.  Fab drinks and eats! Top: Forever 21, Leggings and sandals from Target, Bag from Just Fab and bracelet from T+J Designs.”

Keryn Means - Theater in Portland

What Keryn Wore – “This is me all dolled up for a performance of FlashDance in Portland, Oregon as part of a bachelorette party weekend down there. Necklace is from Presence in Chicago, dress is from Ambiance in San Francisco, shoes are Nine West.”

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What Tracy Wore – “It was finally over 70 degrees in Minnesota, so I wore one of my new Maxi Dresses. I love them so much – nice and cool and easy to dress up or dress down. Currently I’m dressed down in basic black sandals as I take my girls to the ice cream shop. My black tiered maxi dress is from American Eagle. “

WIWW pink pants

Andrea wore HOT pink pants from the Gap and a striped t-shirt from Old Navy. I wore this to BabyCenter’s 21st Century Mom – Social Mom Report lunch in Santa Monica. That is not an alcoholic beverage. The restaurant is famous for their homemade lemonade and that is a pickly pear lemonade, it was super refreshing!

For more Wednesday inspiration – check out The Pleated Poppy.

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Baby & I headed to yoga — already in need of a nap ;)

Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have followed an exercise/yoga regime to help with a better labour and birth (and to achieve my VBAC goal), and to get back in shape faster post-delivery. I’ve mostly been wearing whatever tank tops or t-shirts I could scrounge out of my closet, but quickly realized that wouldn’t work as my tops were slowly showing more and more of my growing belly and the overall fit was not right. I also needed something more lightweight and comfortable to wear. I was so happy to be able to try For Two Fitness’ racerback fitness tank top, and immediately noticed how much more comfortable I was during my exercise/yoga sessions.

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For Two Fitness makes maternity apparel that not only looks great, but is functional too. The racerback fitness tank is super-soft, long enough to cover your belly, breathable, moisture-wicking and has flattering side-ruching for a form-fitting style.

I’m a pregnant woman who is all about comfort, yet I don’t want to sacrifice style. I love that the racerback maternity tank is stylish enough to wear for running errands, but sturdy enough to last you through a prenatal yoga session or long walk. The top fits over my sports bra and is easy to care for (no worrying about it stretching out/shrinking in the wash!). It can also be worn all throughout pregnancy, from the first trimester to the third. Not only that, but there are several adorable sayings to choose from! As shown above, I have the “we need a nap” tank, but you can also choose from “yoga for two,” “running for two” and “sweating for two.” Adorable!

Shape Magazine calls For Two Fitness the “latest must-have for moms to be!” and I completely agree with them! This has been my go-to top for my workouts and a perfect tank to throw underneath a cardigan or jacket to go about my day while feeling comfortable and stylish at the same time.

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Disclaimer: I was sent the For Two Fitness Racerback Maternity Tank for review. The opinion above is my own.

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Still stumped for gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year?  Pampering gifts are always a win in my book and I think women of all ages enjoy a little beauty indulgence.  A scented body cream, soothing facial mask, or a special  body wash has made my day on more than one occasion.  No matter what your budget may be, there is a gift set sure to suit your needs.   Browse my favorite pampering gift sets for Mom and find a thoughtful gift or even add something to your own Mother’s Day wish list!

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Victoria’s Secret VS Perfect Body Deluxe Spa Kit - A luxurious set with five products to keep moms happy, relaxed and beautiful.  The Purifying Body Mask sounds like the absolute best at-home spa treatment!  $35 Victoria’s Secret

Evelyn Rose Ultimate Luxuries  The ultimate luxury gift with all the bells and whistles, the Evelyn Rose collection is based on a special breed of rose exclusive to Crabtree & Evelyn.  Let mom know she is one-of-a-kind by giving this set of bath, body and fragrance packaged in its own gold case! $100 Crabtree & Evelyn

Fresh Sake & Seaberry Spa Retreat Set  This gorgeous set is on my own Mother’s Day wish list!  I love that this gift set is inspired by Japanese geisha purifying bath rituals and includes four products with natural ingredients.  Mom will love the unique Sake Bath! $75 Neiman Marcus

Laura Mercier Le Petit Patisserie Travel Quartet  Fans of the almond coconut milk scent will love this bath and body set.  The limited edition offering comes complete with fragrance, body wash, and body creams.  Make Mom feel like a million bucks without spending a ton!  $50 Sephora

The Bees Knees Variety Bath Gift Set from Fortune Cookie Soap  It really doesn’t get much cuter than these handmade soaps!  Each soap is a fortune cookie and the budget-friendly variety set is the way to go for Mom.  Wait and see if she does not get addicted to the Sweet Tart Martini soap!  $19.99 Fortune Cookie Soap

Earth Therapeutics Foot Doctor Pedicure Kit  With Summer on the way, give Mom the gift of perfect feet for the season.   The tea tree oil in this pampering set is a god-send for soothing feet! This pedicure kit includes at-home pedicure products at a great price.  $24.99  ULTA

Aveda Shampure Set  Is hair one of your Mom’s best quality?  Give her this beautifying hair gift to show your love and appreciation.   The soy candle and gift wrap is the icing on the cake! $58 Aveda

Backstage Basics from butter LONDON If nails are Mom’s favorite pastime, grab the ultimate in quality nail treatments.  This set includes all that she will need for a professional looking manicure at home.  You can even choose your favorite nail color.  She will definitely thank you later! $42 butter LONDON

Which gift set would you like to receive this Mother’s Day?

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Mother’s Day is a day for us to celebrate our own mothers, grandmothers and ourselves. We can thank the women that raised us, and our families can show us a little love for all of our hard work. So why does it always seem to be so difficult to find that perfect gift for mom on Mother’s Day? I don’t know if it’s just me, but I seem to struggle with finding a unique, personalized, touching gift for my mom that really comes from my heart. I want my gift to show how much I care about her and appreciate her, and a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure never seems to hit the right note. This year, I turned to Etsy to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, and was not disappointed!

If you’re wondering what to get your mom, grandma, wife, etc., I was able to find so many lovely items that are not only unique but incredibly special. These items are keepsakes that will last for years to come. I can’t wait to gift my mother with one of these beautiful selections. Any woman would surely appreciate the thought that goes into these gorgeous gifts.

If you’re stumped on what to get that special lady in your life for Mother’s Day this year, take a look at some of these amazing items for some inspiration!

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1. Charlie and Marcelle Initial Bracelet – $16.50 (On sale!) – I love these gorgeous, dainty little initial bracelets from Etsy shop Charlie and Marcelle. This is a type of gift where you can’t go wrong. What mama doesn’t love classy, tasteful jewelry that is also adorned with her children’s initials? These bracelets are the perfect delicate gift for Mother’s Day.

2. New Mom Necklace – $61.50 – This necklace is a beautiful gift for a new mom. Personalize it with baby’s birth date, name and a cute baby feet pendant in the middle, and this is a thoughtful Mother’s Day necklace that any new mom would love. This necklace is sure to become a keepsake item.

3. Silhouette Necklace – $45.00 – I love this gift idea from Etsy shop Le Papier Studio! My mom had a silhouette picture of my brother and I that she has treasured for years, and I instantly thought of that when I saw this necklace. You can freeze time in a sort of way with this necklace, and what mother doesn’t realize at one point or another that their little ones are growing too fast for their liking?

4. Mother and Child Print – $24.00 –  ”A mother’s love grows in the heart of her child” is the quote that graces this print, and I think that quote can sum up for all of us moms how we feel about our children. I love the detail of the hearts on the child and the mom in this print, and that it can be easily customized to match the decor of whomever you are gifting it to.

5. Grandmother Sign – $39.99 – What about the grandmas in our lives? Grandmothers deserve some love on Mother’s Day, and this grandmother sign is a sweet gift to give. You can personalize it with the names of her grandchildren, and she can proudly display it in her home and show her love for her grandkids. I personally don’t know any grandmothers who don’t love bragging a little about their grandchildren now and then!

6. Gray Infinity Chevron Scarf – $19.50 – Is the mother that you’re buying for an on-trend fashionista? I love this simple and chic gray chevron infinity scarf for a stylish Mother’s Day gift idea. The scarf is lightweight and fashionable, and can be purchased in a variety of colours. Easily customizable for the trend-setting mom in your life!

7. Picture Frame Bracelet – $35.00 – I thought this was such a sweet idea when I saw it. The bracelet is not only made from beautiful turquoise beads and antique metal accents, but it features a tiny picture chosen by you especially for mom. The picture can be done in either colour or black and white (I think black and white would look so lovely with this style of bracelet), and is such a unique Mother’s Day gift idea.

8. I Heart Mom Bath Set – $23.00 – For the mom that loves to pamper herself, this cute little gift set is the perfect idea. The soap is your choice of lavender vanilla or lavender tea tree cold processed soap that is hand-stamped with “I heart Mom,” a handmade cedar soapdeck, and an aromatherapy lavender massage oil. The soap is also vegan and made with Extra Virgin Olive oil, Coconut Oil, Raw Unrefined Shea Butter, Olive Oil Pomace, and Castor oil. Her skin will thank her.

What are your unique Mother’s Day gift ideas?

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Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner and we’ve got some savvy, sassy ideas ready for you and your familia. Get ready to throw one heck of a fiesta with these simple crafts and recipes – it’s as easy as uno, dos, tres!

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Margarita Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of Annies-Eats.com

Since I’m currently pregnant, and can’t have an actual margarita, these cupcakes will have to do. Tangy lime frosting with a not too sweet cake batter mix makes for the perfect bite. Candied lime zest tops it all off. If you’re looking for a bigger kick, go ahead and use tequila in the frosting, then tell me how it is so I can live vicariously though you.

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Piñata Surprise Cookies

Photo courtesy of TrendHunters.com

A talented baker friend of mine actually made these cookies last Cinco de Mayo and managed to outshine all the other festive crafts at her neighborhood party. Colorful striped sugar cookies are pressed together with icing. Inside are some chocolate surprises – just like a real piñata with all the fun, minus the bat and the blindfold.

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Arts and Crafts Mariachi Guitar

Photo Courtesy of PattiesClassRoom.Blogspot.com

These gussied up guitars are a fun and easy craft for preschoolers. Use regular household items – cardboard, paper bags, tape, glue, felt, string and construction paper to decorate. Start your own mini mariachi band. This is a great way to teach kids about Mexican inspired music.

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Egg Maracas

Photo courtesy of DanaMadeIt.com Speaking of forming your own mini mariachi band, use some of those left over Easter plastic eggs for easy to make maracas. Fill them with beans, rice or beads then decorate. Use spoons for instant handles. Get shaking and making beautiful music together.

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Grapefruit Margarita

Photo courtesy of SweetLifeBake.com

Give your margarita a fresh twist by using ruby red grapefruit juice (preferably fresh squeezed) instead of the traditional lime. Your friends and taste buds will thank you for this modern twist on a classic favorite. You can still line the rim with salt – it helps cut the tartness of the juice and is a welcomed compliment to the spicy tequila. Finish with a wedge of fresh fruit or a candied swirl of grapefruit rind.

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Margarita Popsicles

Photo courtesy of TheSweetestOccassion.com Instead of serving up frozen margaritas in a glass – try them in popsicle form. All you need are disposable paper cups, popsicle sticks, juice or margarita frozen concentrate, tequila and a freezer. Make them virgin for a family friendly dessert.

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Loteria 

Play an authentic game of Loteria – the Latin American version of bingo. Not only is it super fun and easy to play, but you’ll be learning a lot of Spanish in the process. And just in case you didn’t know, Loteria is the Spanish word for lottery. See, you’re already learning!

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Taco Cups 

Photo courtesy of BevCooks.com

No Cinco de Mayo would be complete without some delicious food. This twist on the traditional taco is family and crowd friendly. Take advantage of your cupcake tins and make individual taco cups complete with spicy filling, cheese, beans, sour cream and pico de gallo. Use wonton wrappers for an extra crispy shell. We guarantee there won’t be any leftovers.

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Mini Cone Piñatas

Photos courtesy of TodaysMama.com

Use these colorful piñatas to decorate your casa for the big day. Use ribbons, tissue paper, buttons and more for the perfect design. Two party hats put together end-to-end make the quintessential piñata shape. You can leave them plain or add a few surprises that you kids can get to after dinner.

Moms, what will you be doing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year?

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Marissa Kraxberger, Host Tara Swennen, Host Kelly Florio Kasouf and Julie Bowen

Marissa Kraxberger, Host Tara Swennen, Host Kelly Florio Kasouf and Julie Bowen

Oscar de la Renta, author Kelly Florio Kasouf and Elizabeth Street hosted the ultimate “mommy and me” soiree on April 23, 2013 in West Hollywood. The night brought out L.A.’s most stylish moms and children to shop the new 2013 Spring Collections, mingle, and participate in fun family activities, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Baby Buggy. I was among the infamous guests attending the elaborate celebration and I was taken aback by the gorgeous Oscar de la Renta store and stunning celebrities swarming everywhere, some even had their posh little tots in tow.

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Tiffani Thiessen and a few posh tots

Sophie in the City Book

Sophie in the city limited edition Oscar de la Renta dress

The exclusive shopping night for celebrity moms featured Kelly Florio Kasouf, mom and author of The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City. The book inspired the collaboration with Oscar de la Renta to design the limited edition “Sophie Party Dress,” Kelly Florio Kasouf greeted guests, signed copies of her book and even put on an impromptu reading for the posh tots in attendance. Between shopping the Oscar de la Renta store and sipping on lemonade, children and their mothers enjoyed the “Oscar de la Renta” paper dolls, coloring them to show off their creativity, balloons created into fun designs and sweet treats.

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It was a perfect evening of shopping and mingling and a percentage of the proceeds benefited Baby Buggy. Baby Buggy is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need across the U.S with essentials for their children ages 0-12. Since its inception, Baby Buggy has donated over 6 million items to families in need in Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.

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Julie Bowen and Nia Vardalos

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Sassy Pink Oscar de la Renta dress
I NEED this Dress!

( perfect for when I re-new my wedding vows in 5 years!)

 

 

 

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