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Friday, April 16, 2010

529.Kids.Consign  


Incase you thought I fell off the face of the earth..I decided that I should explain my whereabouts! I have started a small business with a friend of mine!
I promise not to abandon my blog...I still plan to share all of my "modern mom" tips, and good finds with ya!
The business that we started actually has moms in mind(shocking, I know)!!
529.Kids.Consign, is an online children's consignment boutique. The idea behind it is; save on your children's clothing and accessories now, and be able to contribute to their future.
A 529 is a college savings plan. So whether you are consigning with us, or buying from us, you will be able to save money(a foreign concept for me)!!
So, Modern Mom fans, I would love it if you would spread the word to your "mom friends", about 529.Kids.Consign.
Check us out at www.529kidsconsign.com
Thanks for your support, and have no fear...I will be back with more great tips and fab finds very soon!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

No Smudge No Budge  




If you are like me, and can not stand the sight of your eyeliner smeared under your eyes, by the end of the day, then this one is for you.
Ever since I gave birth to Ethan, I have stopped wearing eyeliner on my bottom lids.
I wonder sometimes why I look half dead, and then I realize I am not wearing eyeliner.  I just do not have time to keep checking my make-up in the mirror, and I refuse to look like a raccoon all day long! Well, I am sick of looking the way I do.. 

I was at my hair salon the other day, complaining to my stylist Barry about my eyeliner issues. I told him that I stopped wearing eye liner on my bottom lid, and my reasoning. 
That is when he told me about an eyeliner by MAC that is water-proof and does not run all over the place!

Skeptical, I went to Nordstrom and tried some on, wore it through dinner, and was amazed that when I got home it was still where it was supposed to be! 
So, of course I ran out and bought it the next day! 
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil is amazing! It's easy to apply and does not smudge! 
I suggest you try it! It's only $14.50.

Of course if you want the dramatic look of smokey eyes, this is not the product for you! It's perfect for your daytime looks...

Monday, March 29, 2010

To Dye For..  

Tie dye, the hippie-inspired trend is a Spring/Summer 2010 must have!  From the red carpet to the office this print is popping up everywhere.  
Calvin Klein is using this technique on neutral colored dresses while Proenza Schouler is amazing the fashion world with it's bright neon toned creations.


I went on a search for some tie dye that we can add to our mom wardrobes!


                              Accessory Street Tie Dye Infinity Scarf- $24
www.nordstrom.com
Wear this fun scarf with white jeans to complete your chic summer look!












Banana Republic Silk Tie Dye Dress- $110
www.bananarepublic.com
Wear this silk, a-line silhouette day or night, and you will be right on trend!
















 American Eagle Tie Dye Tank- $19.50
www.ae.com
An easy and affordable way to add the trend to your everyday look! Perfect way to add a pop to your playdate attire!







C&C California Tie Dye Surf Tee- $55
candccalifornia.com
Another great everyday tee, although not as affordable! 
A splurge...but you deserve it!








Lucy Tie Dye Spa Hoodie- $58
www.lucy.com
Yes, you can look fashionable when you work out too!!
I love this super soft hoodie! Perfect for the cool spring mornings.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Chic-onomics!!  

A friend of mine told me about this site, and it is WAY too good not to share!!
The Outnet.Com is an exclusive designer online outlet, where everyone is invited to shop! The site is a spin off of the award-winning designer fashion site Net-A-Porter.Com.
This fabulous site is devoted to selling deeply discounted designer womenswear, shoes and accessories! From Christian Louboutin to Diane Von Furstenberg to Vince, you can find amazing deals. They feature a section called "Dress Me" where you choose from;
Jet-Set Go, Got a date?, The Perfect You, and they will help narrow down your options, and tailor your shopping experience to what your needs are! You can also shop by size and color.  This site is VERY easy to shop...scary easy!! ENJOY!!
Check it out ASAP!! 
www.theoutnet.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The power of Oxy!!  


At the risk of sounding like an infomercial...I have to share this story and the amazing power of Oxy Clean!
My husband and I took Ethan with us to happy hour on Saturday. It was a beautiful evening so, naturally I dressed him in a new spring outfit.  We each had a glass of vino and then saw that all of our friends were in the park, across the street, with the kiddos and wine!  We decided to head over, however, I was a little hesitant, due to the "new spring outfit".  Let me explain this outfit- Ethan had on a BRAND NEW pink argyle polo shirt, with BRAND NEW white sneakers!
All was going well, as I tried really hard to keep Ethan out of the mud/dirt. A few glasses of wine in, I lost track of him for a second, and realized he was trying to get himself a cup of what he thought was "wadu"(Ethan's version of water)!  Much to our surprise, the cup that he reached for and proceeded to dump on himself was full of RED WINE!!!
Now, if you know me, you can guess my reaction!! I FREAKED!
All I could think of was "the poor pink polo"!! The wine had spilled all down the front of him and of course onto his new sneaks too!
My good friend tried to calm me down by telling me that "oxy clean will get it out"!
From a prior episode with red wine (those of you at my wedding know what I am referring to) I thought that the polo was toast!
I took my friends advice and followed her back to her house, where we sprayed a good amount of Oxy Clean on the polo and then washed it immediately.
Guess what...IT WORKED!! There was not a trace of red wine on the pink polo!!!
I was such a skeptic, and now I am a believer! That stuff really works!
So Moms, if you do not have a stain remover that you can trust...trust me and go get some Oxy Clean!!
Oh BTW- the sneakers are ok too...thanks to my Clorox Wipes!!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Beauty Regimen Help!  

This topic is a request from a friend/ old co-worker of mine!  I think it's actually good timing to discuss a beauty regimen, as the weather is changing and so is our skin! Here are the steps that I typically follow and some products that I believe in!


I follow this 4 step process:
Cleanse
Exfoliate
Moisturize
Apply Sunscreen


1. Cleanse
I have found that you do not need to spend a lot on a cleanser. Just find one that works with your skin type, and stick with it! AVOID bar soap!  Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin and a clear one if you have oily skin. Just use a dime size amount and ALWAYS use lukewarm water!  If you have really dry skin, try using a cold cream, that you just wipe off, without water.  Do not over wash your face. Experts say once a day is fine.

Suggestions: 
Cetaphil-
Skin care professionals and doctors recommend this product.
Specifically designed for dry sensitive skin, but works for most types.
Under $10




2. Exfoliate
A lot of women forget this step in their weekly routines. Men exfoliate everyday when they shave, which explains why my husband's skin looks so good!
I say exfoliate 3 times a week with a gentle scrub that uses tiny grains (large grains can tear your skin). Scrubs will manually remove dead skin cells, that cause your skin to look dull. Make sure you moisturize immediately following the use of a scrub. The scrub below is called "daily" however I found "daily" to be too much for my skin, so I use it 3 times a week.


Suggestion: 
Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
This daily facial scrub helps improve skin tone, texture and clarity to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. This unique formula combines moisture-rich Soy extract with smooth, round microbeads to gently exfoliate while you cleanse, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking. Its soap-free, oil-free, hypoallergenic ingredients are good for everyday use and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Under $10






2.a To tone or not to tone?
I personally like using a toner to remove the excess make-up or oil after cleansing.  Experts say "if you like it use it".  So try one and see if it works for you.

Suggestion: 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner
This mild yet effective toner for all skin types helps refine surface texture while providing the ideal preparation for classic Ultra Facial Moisturizer. Made with effective emollients squalane, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and vitamin E, this nonalcoholic toning formula gently removes surface debris and remaining residue while hydrating and comforting skin.
Under $20


3. Moisturize
This is the most important (well besides #4) step in your routine. Moisturizing locks in the moisture in your skin. Even if you have oily skin, you should still moisturize.  If your skin feels tight, as mine often does, then your skin is literally begging for more moisture.
When choosing a moisturizer, the perfect one will fit three requirements: It smells best, feels best and goes on without feeling greasy. A quality moisturizer should never irritate or burn skin.


Suggestion: 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Inspired by the original, beloved Ultra Facial Moisturizer, this 24-hour, light-textured daily hydrator leaves skin comfortable and visibly well-balanced. The unique combination of ingredients helps reduce moisture loss while drawing and absorbing moisture from the air. With continuous water replenishment throughout the day, skin is smooth, healthy-looking and 'moisture-even.'
Under $30


3b. Eye Creams
The skin around our eyes is so thin, that it is prone to wrinkles and fine lines.  Squinting is one of the worst things for our eyes. Best thing to do for our eyes is wear a pair of good, protective sunglasses when we are in the sun.  When shopping for an eye cream, look for creams with one of these three ingredients: retinoids which will stimulate cell growth, peptides which will boost collagen production and antioxidants, which will fix free radical damage caused by sun and other environmental factors.

Suggestion:
Bliss multi-vitamin energizing All-Around Eye Cream™ depuffs, highly-hydrates, protects, and lessens the appearance of fine lines with soft-focus diffusers, collagen boosters, and anti-wrinkle warriors of ceramides, nutralipids, grapeseed extract, and vitamins C + E.
Under $30


4. Apply Sunscreen
This step is one that I did not find important until well into my twenties!  Now, I do not leave the house without a layer of sunscreen on my face.
The #1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage. It's so important to use sunscreen everyday, even during the winter and on cloudy days. A good trick is to purchase two moisturizers: One for at night and one for during the day with UV protection. Do not use moisturizers with SPF at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 and can irritate your skin.

Suggestion:  Aveeno Positively Radiant with SPF 30
This unique facial moisturizer goes beyond moisturizing to provide twice the level of sun protection against aging UVA rays to take your skin to a whole new level of healthy radiance. Its breakthrough formula with exclusive Total Soy Complex, is clinically proven to even skin tone and Active Photobarrier Complex™ to provide superior sun protection.
Under $20

Monday, March 15, 2010

Fantastic Plastic  

                                       photo courtesy of Lucky Magazine

If you look on the cover of Lucky Magazine this month you will see one of the trends for Spring 2010, a resin(lucite)cuff. 
Lucite is an acrylic resin that has been used for costume jewelry since the 1940's. It has been on trend now for a couple of years. My husband will be pleased to know that I already have a few from years past...phew one less thing to purchase this season!
This trend is fun to wear day or night. If you are lucky your mother or grandmother saved a few vintage pieces for you, but if not, I found a few that I think are fabulous! As always I have a few different price points to show ya!




Marc by Marc Jacobs Into the Wild Resin Bangle
Multicolored resin bangle with animal print. Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle has a blue interior, a gold-tone designer-embossed stud and simply slips on.

$78

 










Kate Spade "candy dot" bangle
Bold, chunky bangle in clear plastic is accented with bold color for a fun and striking accessory.
was $55 now $35.90

Bisou Paisley Motif Resin Arm Bangle
Gorgeous, fun and fabulous! Aqua-shaded, paisley motif, resin bangle is chic and sexy. This arm piece will give your handbag some competition! 
$10

Forever 21 Rose Embossed Bangle
Thick, solid color lucite bangle embossed with roses all around.
$5.80


Thursday, March 11, 2010

Flirty Florals  

Nothing says spring like a floral print! This season little floral prints are popping up everywhere. From dresses to scarves you can add this trend to your wardrobe easily and affordably.




Start your spring fling early with this stylishly sunny cotton dress! A radiant floral print and pretty pleated trim make it a fresh look for your wardrobe. 
Blue Ditsy Floral
$24.99- Old Navy
www.oldnavy.com












Floral Two Layer Lightweight Scarf
Two airy panels are attached at the center to create a unique scarf—one half colored with dégradé shading, the second with a delicate floral print. 
$38.00- Tarnish
www.nordstrom.com 














Floral Sweater
A pretty retro-style draped sweater knit top featuring floral print all over, 3/4 sleeves, an 8-button placket, and ribbed trim.
$22.80- Forever 21
www.forever21.com


Pretty Posy Headband
My personal fave! An elastic headband coupled with two flowers perched lightly on top to soften up your face. 
$3.80- Forever 21
www.forever21.com












Whichever way you to choose to go, make sure you add floral prints to your wardrobe asap! They will not only soften up your closet, they will also perk up your mood! Happy SPRING!!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Yummie Tummie  



I just got back from Miami, the city where everyone is 6 feet tall and SKINNY!!
I swear those amazons could not have had any children yet! I was feeling really good about my post baby bod, until I arrived in SOBE!  However, after a few cocktails poolside, I got over it!  
I am back home now and wondering how much more I need to work out to look THAT good! And then I turned on Martha Stewart!
The fashion segment yesterday featured a product called Yummie Tummie. I was instantly intrigued!
This fabulous item slims your mid section and camouflages all lumps and bumps!  They claim to eliminate approximately 5 pounds! From body suits to panties to simple tanks, Yummie Tummies come in a ton of slimming and sexy colors and prints.
Prices range from about $42 to $100. A little pricey, but we are talking 5 pounds slimmer!!


For more information check out www.yummietummie.com

Friday, February 26, 2010

The Ultimate Keepsake  

     Looking for a gift for a new mom? I found the perfect little keepsake gift!







These adorable charms by Nashelle are hand made to order,  in recycled 14 karat gold and sterling silver with natural gemstones. The company was started by a mom, as always I love supporting mom owned and operated businesses!





You start your custom necklace with a classic light rope pendant chain that is durable and dainty. 


From there you can add personalized; charms, bars, mini charms, and gemstones.


The personalized bars are a best seller! You can add the baby's name on the front and the birthdate or a special word on the back. They are available in 14 K gold and sterling silver. $35 for the bar with a front stamp, back stamp is an additional $12.00.





Add a charm or two, or three. The charms are hand-stamped, lightly distressed round discs. They come on a jump ring to slip onto your chain. Available in 14k gold fill or sterling silver. $30 a piece.



Want to add a little sparkle of color??  You can purchase a little dainty gemstone drop to add to your custom creation. They have almost every color in birthstones! $12 per stone.

Allow 2-3 for delivery, as each creation is hand-made to order.
You can find these great gifts at www.southmoonunder.com or http://store.nashelle.com/.

Friends- Please tell my hubby, I would LOVE one of these for Mother's Day!!!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2010 Trends for Kids  

Although our children spend most of their time in "play clothes", it doesn't mean that they can't be fashion forward!
Dressing our children in a fashionable way is of course way more fun for us at this point, however, if you are a fashionista, why not get them on board now??!
How we dress our children now, and for years to come, will help lay the foundation for little fashionistas of the future! Now, this goes for little boys as well! I happen to have a little boy, and thought that boys clothes were not going to be as exciting as girls, but I was so wrong!
Shops like H&M and Old Navy are making it possible to fashionably dress both girls and boys, and for a great price!
Check out some of these great looks for Spring from Old Navy!

Old Navy:
Pull on camo pants- $10
Beatles rock tee- $10.50
Canvas lace-free slip ons- $14.50
































Old Navy For Girls
Raw Edged slub knit Cardigan- $14.50
Ruffled Foiled graphic tank-$6.00
Canvas lace-free slip ons-$14.40


As always, Happy Shopping!!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Neutral Trend  

One of the strongest trends for Spring 2010 is neutral shades. I knew this to be true, however after watching the Golden Globes, where every other celeb was in a nude shade gown, it really drove the point home!
You can add this trend to your look in a lot of fun ways. If you are hesitant, as always, it is best to add one item to your wardrobe or your look and go from there.
I suggest a blazer, a nail polish or a fabulous pair of shoes!


Nail Polish

Chinchilly
This versatile and sleek gray shade will match any outfit!
Essie $8
www.essie.com


Shoes
Flesh colored shoes have the advantage of always being in style, because they are so versatile. They are much easier to wear, than a bold red or pink shoe, which makes them very practical. The BEST part about nude shoes is, they ELONGATE your legs! Yes, moms they make our legs look longer! Who doesn't want that?!
Here are a few that I found. From sandals to a basic pump, everyone should have a nude shoe in their closet this spring!




Sandal- This fashion forward sandal, made from soft supple leather, is perfect with dresses, skirts, shorts or your skinny jeans!
Sandrahh by Steve Madden
$79.95 www.stevemadden.com


Wedge- The stacked wedge heel, elevates the chic caged sandal. Not only is this shoe right on trend for spring, but wedge heels tend to be very comfortable(I am looking out for ya)!
Report
$199.95 www.nordstrom.com


Pump- Wear this classic pump day or night! Perfect with skinny jeans or a fun, flirty dress!
Captivat- by Steve Madden
$69.95 www.stevemadden.com






Blazers
Just like nude polish and shoes, a nude blazer is a practical piece to add to your wardrobe. Pair this blazer with jeans and your favorite tee for lunch with friends or a playdate, or wear it over a bold colored dress for a night out with the hubby! I like this one from J.Crew, double-breasted, with extra pockets for added versatility.




Tailored Contanta Blazer
J.Crew
$165 www.jcrew.com















Happy Shopping!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A cure for dry skin!  

I don't know about you, but I have such dry skin right now! It's bad enough that my skin is a  pasty shade of WHITE...but now it has succombed to winter's wrath and is extremely dry as well! I know as moms, we have very little time to pay attention to ourselves, so here is a quick fix for "winter skin"!
Each winter I try to find the best moisturizer for my skin, and each year I come up short.
Never actually happy with what I found.
This year, is different!
I saw an ad for Vaseline Sheer Infusion in one of my fashion mags this past week, and decided to give yet another moisturizer a try.
I was not disappointed! This stuff really works!

Some moisturizers simply lay on top of the skin, while others rub in a quickly and disappear. Vaseline Sheer Infusion actually rubs in quickly, which I like, but it penetrates all 3 layers of your skin. Although it has a such a deep hydration, it does not leave a greasy after-feel. In fact, it is really light and silky!










Vaseline Sheer Infusion comes in three different formulas:
Vitamin Burst
Mineral Renewal
Botanical Blend
Each formula adds a little something extra to the benefits of this fabulous lotion.


If you are suffering from "winter skin", I would suggest running out and grabbing some of this stuff!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Sonia Rykiel for H&M  

As I sit here in my house for the 3rd day in a row, looking out at the Blizzard of 2010, I keeping thinking, Spring, Spring, Spring!!!
Spring fashion will start to hit stores towards the end of the month. I am so excited to check it all out!
Especially, Sonia Rykiel's second collection for H&M, which launches on February 20th in stores worldwide.

photo courtesy of H&M

"The idea of the collection is to offer the essence of Sonia Rykiel. This [H&M] line is absolutely true to our philosophy, which is about quality and know-how, and not about money. H&M gave me complete freedom with creation and quality. We used pure wool and pure cotton. It's the DNA of Rykiel."


This collection follows the success of her lingerie line, and will provide us with bright and bold knitwear! This line will help us with the transition from arctic temps to spring like weather! 
These knits are the perfect way to add a pop of color and fun to our "mom" wardrobes, and are pretty functional too!!
The color palette includes, black, yellow, hot pink and baby pink! Stripes, studs and rhinestones add to the glamour of this collection. 
Prices will start at $10 for a sparkly bangle to $70 for a hot pink blazer with applique detail on the sleeve.
Be sure to check out this hot collection in stores February 20th! I really hope to be "dug out" of this storm by then, so that I can get to the mall and scoop up some of these fun knits!!





Monday, February 8, 2010

Valentine's Day on a Budget  



Looking for something special to wear on Valentine's Day, but don't want to spend a lot?
I am here to help! 
Right after Christmas every year, retailers go from red and green to red and pink! They make sure that store fronts are screaming Valentine's Day. With this, is the idea that you as the consumer will get so in the mood, "so to speak", that you will drop tons of money on candy, lingerie, cards, etc.. 


As moms, our focus and our money go to our children...but on Valentine's day it's about our husbands! We can not forget about them! So, if you want to look cute/sexy that night,but do not want to break the bank doing so, do not worry. I have done some retail research and found some affordable options for you! I have found over the years, that you do not need to buy the items specifically marketed as "Valentine's Day" items. Why not look through the clearance racks and think outside of the "red and pink" box?!!


Here are a few piece that I thought were cute/sexy and at great price points!


Victoria's Secret- Striped Baby Doll
Clearance price $18.99 orig $38.00
The contrast bows and buttons make this super 
feminine! Comes with matching v-string.
www.victoriassecret.com







Betsy Johnson- Leopard Print
Clearance price- $49.90 orig $75.00
Look sassy in leopard print! Pink bows at 
the bodice add a flirty touch!
www.neimanmarcus.com







I think boy shorts are super cute!
Worn with a little cami, it's both comfortable and practical, while still looking sexy! Here are a few that I found:




Victoria's Secret- Cheeky Lace Trim Boy Shorts
Clearance price $3.99 orig $9.50
These come in 6 fun colors and are flirty and fun!
www.victoriassecret.com

Victoria's Secret Ruffled Panty
Clearance price $5.99 orig $16.00
Very flirty with a little embellishment on your
rear! Comes in 4 colors.
www.victoriassecret.com


Juicy Couture "Sweet" Boy Shorts
Clearance price $8.90 orig $18.00
These sweet little shorts come wrapped like 
a piece of cake! Super fashionable, super cute!
www.nordstrom.com

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