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Thursday, December 31, 2009

brighten up!  

Are you tired of looking worn out and, well tired??!!
Don't have time for a lengthly beauty regimen anymore! I feel your pain!
Moms, make it your resolution to look great, even if you are just changing diapers, and cleaning up after the kids all day!
I have a few tips to help you go from drab to fab in just a few minutes!
Here are a few beauty essentials that you should apply daily:


1. Lip Gloss
Find a tinted gloss that works well with your complexion, and it will instantly brighten you up!
I personally love the Stila Lip Glaze- This ultra high shine lip gloss comes in a click pen, in a ton of shades, and gives lips a punch of color and adds a delicious scent.
$22 at www.sephora.com






2. Mascara
A good mascara will brighten your look and give you instant glam results!
Fresh Supernova Mascara is my fave. It's alcohol-free formula actually conditions lashes and adds shine, while preventing breakage. One coat will instantly define your lashes, but two coats will give you more dramatic results.
$25 at www.sephora.com






3. Under Eye Concealer
This should actually be #1 on my list, as I NEVER leave the house without it! Wearing the right concealer, really gives the appearance that you are refreshed...even if you are not feeling it! My all time fave is Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer.
This award winning concealer comes in 14 shades. Bobbi suggests using a shade one lighter than your natural skin tone. It is full of skin conditioning ingredients, which help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
$22 at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com








If you use these 3 beauty essentials daily, I promise you will look bright eyed and refreshed, even if you are not feeling it!!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

organization tips...  

The other day, I suggested to organize your closet and drawers as part of your New Years resolution. I gave advice on closet organization, but left out how to organize your drawers!
Have no fear...I am here to help!



For the dreadful sock and panty drawers, I have to perfect and inexpensive solution.
The Container Store's deep drawer organizers work perfectly for socks, panties and bras!
They fit nicely in most drawers and offer generous capacity.


For your sock drawer, organize by color and thickness(winter socks together, and summer socks together). You can also organize your tights the same way!


For your messy bra and panty drawer, organize bras by type (strapless together, etc..) and by color. Do the same for your panties (all thongs together, all boy shorts together, etc...).
By doing this, I promise you will feel so much better and you will never have to dig through that sock drawer again to find matching socks!


This will also work in your hubby's nightmare sock drawer!


Prices range from $3.49 to $5.99 depending on the size! A very inexpensive way to get organized. You can also use the shallow drawer organizers in your bathroom, to organize make up and toilletries.



Happy New Year and Happy Organizing!!
xoxo

Monday, December 28, 2009

Resolutions...  

I hope everyone is a having a joyous holiday season!!


With the new year approaching, it's time to make some resolutions! 
The new year is the perfect time to re-vamp your wardrobe, and in doing so you will look better and feel so much better about yourself! Here are a few tips to help you get started:


1. Clean out your closet and drawers- make 2 piles, one to keep and one to purge. When purging ask yourself: Does this fit me? Does it make feel good? Do I even like this? IF you answered no to any of these...PURGE it!
2. Once you have your keep pile, organize it! Put sweaters in one place, summer tees in another, make it logical. This will really help when putting together outfits. 
3. All sorted and organized??Time to shop. Buy key pieces to add to your wardrobe to rebuild your foundation.
My advice...follow Tim Gunn's advice below:



The Ten Essential Wardrobe Elements as described by Tim Gunn are practical pieces around which you can build your wardrobe around. Tim Gunn is the reality star on the makeover television show on Bravo called Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. He became well known from Bravo's hit TV show Project Runway, where he gave advice to contestants on their stylish creations. Tim Gunn is the Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne INC, where he is helping the company rebuild and return to it's roots.






  • Basic Black Dress - The basic black dress has been around for a long time. It is often called the "Little Black Dress", and it's true that shorter skirts on the basic black dress, when they hit you in the right place, can be more flattering than a long black dress.




  • Trench Coat - The trench coat is one of the pieces that is both classic and currently a hot fashion item. Most any store sells this piece now. It is great for fall and you can pick it up in a wide range of lengths.



  • Dress Pants - Although it doesn't say black, this is probably what you want to look for. Black is flattering on all figures and goes with everything.



  • Classic Shirt - The white shirt is a definite classic. But it can also come in many different styles to make it look trendy and not dated or like a man's piece of clothing. Find one that accentuates your best attributes and minimizes trouble spots. For example, if you have wide shoulders, stay away from large collars.



  • Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? The wider leg, low-rise jean style has been popular (and still is) but a narrower leg is coming back along with a higher waist, which eliminates the unflattering "muffin top" look.



  • Any Occasion Top - Find something you look great in that can look respectable under a jacket but bring on the fun after hours.



  • Skirt - If you need dress pants then you also need a skirt. A skirt is womanly and can be flirty or businesslike. Nowadays women do not wear many skirts or dresses, which makes a lot of them fall into a rut of dressing sloppily or like men. See number 8.



  • Day Dress - Women also are not wearing as many dresses anymore. It was certainly liberating to go from the '50s when women wore dresses every day to wearing more practical pants for gardening, exercising, and so forth. But the dress does not have to be abandoned altogether. They can be very flattering, and there is nothing wrong with "dressing up" for daytime.



  • Jacket - A jacket does not have to be masculine. Find one with a proper, fitted shape. Women's jackets should follow the silhouette of a woman's body and accent the hourglass curve at her waist. It is also a perfect piece to put with the skirt or dress pants, and white shirt. Or make it casual with a pair of jeans.



  • Sweatsuit Alternative - As mentioned before, women wear fewer skirts and dresses these days. But some women have taken casual to the extreme and spend days on end in sweatsuits. It is possible to be casual and comfortable without looking like a slob. Find a comfortable material (that's why this doesn't say jeans again – denim is not as comfortable as a nice soft cotton) that you would want to wear every day. It could be khakis, cords, a cotton dress, or much more.



  • Happy New Year and Happy Shopping!!




    photo courtesy of bravotv.com

    Monday, December 21, 2009

    The Royal Blowout  






    I know as a mom, I do not always have time to give myself the "royal" treatment, when it comes to drying my hair. I try very hard not to fall victim to the constant ponytail...but sometimes, I am not going to lie...it happens!! 


    Being the "modern mom" that I am, I refused to throw in the towel...so I found a solution!


    I was introduced to this amazing hair product by my fabulous hair stylist! It's called "The Royal Blowout". It gives you the look and feel of a salon blowout, with out the salon. It has UV protectant and is color safe!


    For the ultimate blowout, this ultra-lightweight mist smoothes even the worst behaved mop and speeds up drying time as well.  It also repairs split ends, nourishes, softens and strengthens the hair, giving it healthy body and shine.


    It's a little pricey at $42, but I promise you, it is worth every penny. You do not have to use a lot, so it will last you a long time. 


    To use:
    Spray on damp hair from mod-shaft to ends, go section by section to blow even straighter.


    About the product line:
    Oribe, the eponymous product line from one of the most influential hairdressers of all time, defines luxury in hair care. 

    Combining over 30 years of styling heritage at the top of the editorial and salon worlds with old-world craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation from the most sought-after beauty artisans, the Oribe line delivers the highest possible levels of performance and sophistication. 

    Beautiful in function and form alike, this line is for taste-driven individuals who know that personal style — perfectly expressed— is the ultimate luxury.



    Where to find it:

    www.oribe.com
    www.neimanmarcus.com
    www.amazon.com
    www.bluemercury.com
    www.bigelowchemists.com
    You may also be able to find it in a high end salon near you! 


    SO ladies...give yourself the "royal blowout" for the holidays!!
    For additional products by Oribe check out www.oribe.com

    Friday, December 18, 2009

    Dressing for a holiday party...  

    Do you have holiday partys to attend in the next few weeks, and you want to look good, but you do not feel like spending tons of money on a new dress??
    I have a solution for you. Bring out some of those short sleeved dresses from summer, add some tights, and a cardigan or boyfriend blazer and you are all set! Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow have been wearing the boyfriend blazer over dresses for a while now, and I love the look!




    Want to spice up your ensemble with out spending a lot? Here are a few inexpensive ways to look festive this season without breaking the bank:













    1. wear a fabulous nail polish in a sparkling red or metallic



    2. throw on a fun headband with some bling (j crew, nordstrom, forever 21)


    3. carry a metallic handbag or clutch


    4. wear a festive shade of lip gloss (MAC Dazzle Glass)


    5. throw on a jeweled scarf (forever 21)





    Thursday, December 17, 2009

    The Laundress  




    Do you dislike doing laundry as much as I do?? I found a product that may actually make this awful chore fun!
    The Laundress is a luxury fabric care and specialty detergent line designed to take the "chore" out of laundry.
    It's made with organic materials, renewable resources, and uses a plant base not a petroleum base like most grocery store brands do. It's 100% biodegradable and animal cruelty free, as well as dye, sulfate, phosphate, chlorine and bleach free.
    This product is compatible with high efficiency machines as well!

    The Laundress comes in a variety of different solutions for all of your laundry needs:
    Cashmere and Wool Shampoo
    Denim Wash
    Stain Solution                                     
    Delicate Wash
    Whites Detergent
    Signature Detergent
    Darks Detergent
    Dryer Sheets


    Most bottles are sold in either 16 or 33 oz size and start at $18.00. (less expensive on amazon.com!)


    Check out www.thelaundress.com for more details and a price comparison chart...you actually save money versus the grocery store brands!

    Wednesday, December 16, 2009

    Coupons!  

    COUPONS!

    Hey Modern Mom fans! I added a new section to my blog! 
    Check out the coupons at the bottom of the page! 


    The Find Blog gives you updates on all of the latest deals out there from fashion to beauty to parenting! 
    Check out my blog daily for the latest coupons! 
    Click on the coupon, print and shop! It's that easy!

    Tuesday, December 15, 2009

    Gift for the hostess with the mostess!  

    Going to a holiday party and not sure what to bring the host/hostess? A bottle of wine is so overdone, and you do not want to show up empty handed!
    Check out this adorable cheese knife set.







    As seen in InStyle Magazine and on the Today Show.
    Not-So-Cheesy Adorable Knife Set- $22.50
    A bright and fun addition to your entertaining arsenal!  Don't get stuck destroying your fancy cheeses anymore - now you'll have every knife you'll need for all your fromage from parmesan to gruyere to brie. 
    Dimensions: Hard: 1" x 5"; Medium: 1.5" x 5"; Soft: 1" x 5"; Crumbly: 2" x 5".  
    Set includes 4 knives: soft, hard, medium and crumbly.



    Check out Delight.com to order!

    Monday, December 14, 2009

    Perfect with cookies!  




    I have a cookie exchange tonight, which is what inspired me to write this entry! I have the perfect bubbly for holiday cookie exchanges! Francis Coppola- Sofia Blanc de Blancs is fruity, dry and delicious! It is a sparkling wine, with a delicate effervescent and low alcohol content, making it the perfect complement to a gathering of moms and cookies! For around $16.00 a bottle you will be the hit of the party, if you show up with a bottle of this yummy bubbly!!




    Wine Maker Notes:
    Poetic hinting at romance, sparkling with a touch of glamour, ebullient and bubbly, the youthful energy of our Sofia Blanc de Blancs captures the hearts of all who revel in it. Born out of a celebration of love, as a gift from father to daughter, Sofia is a tribute to the spirit and life of a young woman.

    Friday, December 11, 2009

    Chain Strap Handbags  

    I love this current trend in handbags...Chain Straps!  These bags can dress up your look, without being over-the-top! It gives your look an urban feel, while remaining very feminine. Unfortunately, we all can not afford the super chic Chanel chain bags, so I found some that we can afford!




    Urban Renewal Leather Chain Strap Bag- Urban Outfitters $38
    These bags are made from recycled leather jackets in their Philly stores! They are small and sleek with a long chain strap. Because these bags are created from 100% recycled leather each one is unique.
    www.urbanoutfitters.com





    Quilted Metallic Leather Lauralee bag- Kate Spade $265
    I love this bag! It has Kate Spade's classic polka dot lining and logo detail on the front.
    This is the perfect little bag to take to any holiday party!
    www.saksfifthavenue.com








    Qulited Handbag- Nordstrom $84.90
    The polished look of this handbag is finished off with a tassel zip pull.
    www.nordstrom.com




    MAXX New York Reversed Sequin Round bag with chain strap- Nordstrom $58.90
    This retro inspired bag with removable strap is covered in eye catching sequins. I think it
    is perfect for day or night during the holiday season!
    www.nordstrom.com



    Go grab a chain strap bag today, and bring out your inner 80's chic!

    Thursday, December 10, 2009

    Cool Treat for the Holidays!  

    Hey Ladies...check out this fabulous egg nog recipe! Now, I am not one to spend too much time in the kitchen, however I think even I can handle this recipe! I found it on goop.com. It comes from a chef service called bigLITTLE Get Together, based in NYC. 
    For more yummy holiday drink ideas check out goop.com, and click on the bigLITTLE Get Together newsletter!
    Let me know if you tried it and how you liked it!!
    ENJOY!!

    Eggnog Popsicles

    What better way to enjoy your favorite holiday cocktail than in a frozen, handheld treat? These are wonderfully indulgent, and the best part is that they will keep in your freezer so you can make them way in advance. So rich and velvety, creamy, and yummy!



    Yield: a dozen popsicles
    • ½ pound cream cheese
    • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1 ½ teaspoons nutmeg
    • 1 cup sugar
    • pinch of kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons brandy
    • 2 tablespoons bourbon
    • 2 cups heavy cream whipped until just stiff
    Beat the cream cheese in a standing mixer or with a whisk until completely smooth. Thoroughly stir in all of the remaining ingredients except for the whipped cream. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Fill popsicle molds with the mixture and allow to set and freeze for at least two hours (if you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use paper cups and popsicle sticks). The texture will be semifreddo-ish.


    Photo and Recipe Courtesy of goop.com.

    Wednesday, December 9, 2009

    The Twistband  





    Check out this great product invented by a mom! The twistband is a ponytail holder or headband created by a mom who realized very quickly after her first child that a ponytail was the best hairstyle for a new mom! One day she needed a ponytail holder and did not have one so she grabbed a piece of elastic trim, and voila the "twistband" was born! 
    Moms are so resourceful aren't they?!!

    These bands are great because unlike some, they do not cause breakage in your hair.
    They come in a ton of fun colors, patterns and fabrics and are only $10 for 3! There is one to complement any style!


    I am always willing to support a mom owned business.
    Check out www.thetwistband.com to order some!





    Tuesday, December 8, 2009

    All Star!  


    Hey Moms! Check this out...design your own Converse!
    I love this idea. Now you can create your own sneaker, from fabric to color to laces.
    Personalized with a name and you can create a unique pair of sneakers that no one can duplicate! I think these would make a great gift for kids or even our husbands! (ok maybe the hubby does not need his name on his shoes)


    Prices start at $64 for adults and $45 for kids.


    Check out www.converse.com for more details!

    Monday, December 7, 2009

    Metallic Nails  

    It is time to start thinking a little more festive about our nails! Time to put away the vampy hues for a while and break out the metallics! Metallic nail polishes were a new trend this fall, hot off of the runways and red carpet! I think it's the perfect finishing touch to your holiday looks! If you are a bit skeptical, do not worry, there is a silver out there for ya! There are metallic shades that are really more neutral than anyting, so you do not have to worry about coordinating with your outfit! Here are a few that I love!



    MAC- Magic,Mirth and Mischief $12.00 www.nordstom.com
    This metallic silver foil shade has a new revolutionary high gloss formula that provides a no streak, no chip finish.

















    Essie- Over the top $8 www.essie.com
    This dramatic midnight grey hue will add the right amount of drama to your holiday!!

















    Essie- Golden Nuggets $8 www.essie.com
    This polish is actually clear with drops of metallic gold, the perfect finishing touch to your new years eve look!

















    Essie- Steel-ing the Scene $8 www.essie.com
    Fabulous pewter shade with subtle gold reflections.














    Pick up some hot metallic polish this holiday season and add a magical finishing touch to your holiday attire!
                                              

    Thursday, December 3, 2009

    Personalized Plates!  



    Check out this great gift idea! These plates would be a perfect gift for any child or family on your gift list this year! Em Tanner's personalized melamine plates are 10 inches in diameter and are dishwasher safe. You can color code family meal times with a different plate for each child, or do a whole set with the family initial. The possibilites are endless with these adorable plates! Prices start at $24.00 per plate...a little pricey I know, but so worth it!




    She also makes personalized lunch boxes and lunch totes! Boxes are $36, and the totes are $34. These also make great gifts! When the time comes, my little boy is definately going to carry one of these adorable lunch boxes!!






    For these and other fabulous items check out Em Tanner Designs:
    http://www.emtannerdesigns.com

    Wednesday, December 2, 2009

    Ruffles  

    Everyone should add a little flounce and frill to their wardrobe this time of year! Ruffles are the perfect way to add a feminine touch to your outfit! You can wear them outrageous and oversized or soft and subtle, either way you will look fabulous!
    Here are some ruffled pieces that I have found:


    J. Crew Merino Rose corsage cardigan- $71.60
    Chic and incredibly feminine, with a flounced ruffle neckline. Layer over a tank or even a little black dress.









    J.Crew Sequin-ruffle tissue tank-$39.50
    Look glamorous with ease in this lightweight bias-cut cotton, ruffle neck line, trimmed in sequins tank. Paired with skinny jeans or skinny black pants you will look very chic!









    Forever 21 Ruffle Sheen top-$22.80
    I love this top! It has a subtle sheen and a 4 button placket with robust ruffle trim! This can be dressed up or down, wear with jeans or skinny pants!









    Forever 21 Chiffon ruffle tank- $18.00
    I love this feminine tank with ruffle details and a bow at the neck with leggings or skinny jeans!








    Go out and grab some ruffles for your next holiday gathering! I promise you will look fabulous!

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