Month: April 2013

Categories
body wash makeup perfume

Earth Day! Eco-friendly Beauty Products

What are you doing to take care of mother earth? There are so many things we can do such as recycle, support eco-friendly companies and buy earth friendly products. I had a chance to test out a few eco-friendly items. Each of the companies sent me the products to test out.  I love all of them. Here are my thoughts on Pacifica’s new natural mineral make-up and skin care collection, blow pro hair products and Desert Essence products (which is offering free shipping on their web site for all orders today for Earth Day!)

Desert Essence – from their bath and body line is the wonderful smelling coconut body wash and moisturizer. For only $8.99 the body wash is so soothing and the hand and body lotion is just as decadent.  Ingredients include Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter and Organic Jojoba Oil. Of course the products are formulated without Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth, Sulfates, Phthalates and Artificial Colors and no Animal Testing. We *heart* this company!

Blow Pro – Blow Pro products are a dream come true. Back in 2005, blow® opened the world’s very first blow dry bar in Manhattan. They then created & launched blowpro® products in 2008 to give better blow dry results at home. The products are free of harsh sulfates, parabens & sodium chloride. We loved the conditioner and the straight to the point styling cream. It made morning blow outs much easier.  I have been looking for a dry shampoo that had less chemicals in it and found it in the faux dry shampoo. Ladies, you really should not be washing your hair every day and this product will hold you over until you wash your hair! The blow out spray is light and refreshing.

Pacifica’s new natural mineral make-up and skin care – The good karma skin care set is the one to get if you like to test out products and don’t want the commitment. But believe me you will want to order all of these essentials in full size!  The kit comes with face wash, day and night cream, a BB cream(hard to find in a natural, chemical free version) and their color quench lip tint (smells so good in guava berry) I loved this company from day one. I was looking for a more natural perfume for my two tween girls and bought the Island Vanilla in the roller ball. Then I went on to buy for myself the body wash, lotion, spray perfume, soap and I especially love the solid perfume for travel. I just noticed they have the reed diffuser for the home and candles which are USA made. Oh my, a must get for me!  Another one of my favorites is the Indian Coconut Nectar as it is a perfect scent for the summer! The value collection set is great and you can layer the products. All the skin care and color is formulated without phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, benzene, GMOs, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil and triclosan!

Disclosure: The above companies sent me each of the products to test out. All opinions are my own.

Blow Pro Products

Desert Essence Products

Pacifica Products
Categories
Events

Boston you’re my home! #bostonmarathon

I just haven’t had the heart to write anything about the Boston Marathon bombings. It took me a few days to process it all and I am still in shock.   Having grown up in Mass and marrying someone who grew up in Boston, this just hits too close to home. When I think about saying on Monday mid-morning, “how about we drive into Boston for the Marathon?” and my husband said no and my kids had other plans (like changing their rooms around!) I really tried to push the issue, but am glad I did not.  We love to visit the city for every big occasion – We went in on New Years’ Day to view the ice sculptures, the parade a few years back for the Stanley Cup and World Series parade and especially on July 4th we love to walk around and view the festivities before the big crowds gather for the esplanade celebration. It is after all on July 4th on a rooftop building on the corner of Mass Ave. and Beacon that I met my husband 19 years ago.  Ever since I can remember going to the marathon was a big event for families, then in college it was a fun event to meet up with friends and over the years we cheered on friends who actually completed the race! So many people running for a cause or in memory of someone. WHY did something like this happen in Boston?  So many people have asked as a parent what do you say about it? Here is what most experts say is the best course of action if you have young kids.

  • Make sure your kids hear the news from you.  I remember I did not tell my 8 year old about the CT shootings and the next day at the swim meet they said a moment of silence. She was so upset with me. My 11 year old heard from friends and then came to me.  But keep the information big picture and do not go into the details.

 

  • Tell your kids that they are safe and bad things like this are rare. 

 

  • Don’t watch the television news coverage in front of your kids. The images can be too disturbing.

 

  • Let your kids know there are good people out there willing to help and talk about the heroes.  So many people were running to the scene of the bombings to help.

 

My heart is breaking for all those who have been directly affected by this horrible act of violence.  To help the people most effected, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. Log on for more information.   https://www.theonefundboston.org

The One Fund

 

Categories
makeup Nail Polish

Trends in Spring Make-Up

I love the springtime with the bright make-up colors. This spring it is very bright and if you are looking to add a few items to your make-up bag , here are my top three suggestions:

1.  Orange lip color – This is the new red. It flatters almost anyone too. M.A.C. has always been a favorite of mine but this new line from Hourglass is all natural so I love it.

2.  Blue and green eye make-up – think sea foam and turquoise colors.  If you can’t imagine putting on a blue/green shadow, start off slowly with a thin eye liner.

3. Neutral nails – Try to find a shade that is closest to your skin tone.  I love the OPI shades and the names crack me up as well like, My Vampire is Buff.  As for the shape of nails – no more square! A rounded shape is always in!

Categories
Uncategorized

Spring Make-up Trends: Hello Orange!

I love the springtime with the bright make-up colors. This spring it is very bright and if you are looking to add a few items to your make-up bag , here are my top three suggestions:

1.  Orange lip color – This is the new red. It flatters almost anyone too. M.A.C. has always been a favorite of mine but this new line from Hourglass is all natural so I love it.

2.  Blue and green eye make-up – think sea foam and turquoise colors.  If you can’t imagine putting on a blue/green shadow, start off slowly with a thin eye liner.

3. Neutral nails – Try to find a shade that is closest to your skin tone.  I love the OPI shades and the names crack me up as well like, My Vampire is Buff.  As for the shape of nails – no more square! A rounded shape is always in!

Categories
Events food Hotels

Girls Get-a-way @Fontainebleau

It HAS been a while since I went on a trip without my kids and my husband and I really needed a quick get-a-way. That is why a couple friends and I booked a trip to Miami! It has always been a favorite place of mine to visit and a quick plane right from Boston (about 3 hours) and provides lots of warmth, good shopping and great food! We stayed at the Fontaine Bleau 

This is THE hotel to stay at and it was lots of fun. Each restaurant at the hotel is award winning. Even the treats at the coffee shop were yummy.  Our first night we ate at Scarpetta  We indulged in the chefs choice 4 course meal and it was fantastic. Two appetizers both hot and cold, a sampling of fresh pasta (duck and veal – thankfully our wonderful waiter said to step out of our comfort zone!) and the main course of beef and chicken and the two best deserts I have ever had!

The next night we ate at the Yard Bird   Another step out of our comfort zone and they served traditional southern meals. We ordered essentially the fried chicken sliders, mashed potatoes (but with a few veggies thrown in) and a hard cider! It was sooo good!  Our last night we grabbed a burger at 5 Napkin (yes, It was the best burger I have had in a long time!) We also ate lunch at the famous Joe’s Stone Crab. 

I am so glad were were able to eat at Joe’s as it is a Miami hot spot and my crab cake sandwich was unlike any I have ever had. Nice presentation too!

If you do head to Miami a trip down Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive is a must, Drinks poolside @DelanoSoBe is also recommended. I loved my pina colada (but if you want several drinks be warned that they are $17 each!)

We really weren’t into partying too much as laying by the pool @FontaineBleau was a party itself and lots of fun to people watch (I thought I had high heels but I have never seen so many platform heels in my life) The fashions were also very colorful – for men, women and kids! One family stepped on our elevator and the dad had on orange skinny jeans and converse sneakers, the mom had on a flower dress and the boy and girl had on bright pink polo shirts.  We visited the spa Lapis  and we just opted for a trip to the mineral pools, massage-jet showers and a trip to the quiet room.  We both emerged three hours later so relaxed.  So if you are looking for a great, quick get-a-way check out all Miami has to offer – especially @FontaineBleau!

 

Fontaine Bleau pool!
View from our room @Fontaine Bleau

 

Lunch At Joe’s Stone Crab
Girls’ Night out @DelanoSoBe
Categories
Events food Hotels

Girls Get-a-way @Fontainebleau

It HAS been a while since I went on a trip without my kids and my husband and I really needed a quick get-a-way. That is why a couple friends and I booked a trip to Miami! It has always been a favorite place of mine to visit and a quick plane right from Boston (about 3 hours) and provides lots of warmth, good shopping and great food! We stayed at the Fontaine Bleau 

This is THE hotel to stay at and it was lots of fun. Each restaurant at the hotel is award winning. Even the treats at the coffee shop were yummy.  Our first night we ate at Scarpetta  We indulged in the chefs choice 4 course meal and it was fantastic. Two appetizers both hot and cold, a sampling of fresh pasta (duck and veal – thankfully our wonderful waiter said to step out of our comfort zone!) and the main course of beef and chicken and the two best deserts I have ever had!

The next night we ate at the Yard Bird   Another step out of our comfort zone and they served traditional southern meals. We ordered essentially the fried chicken sliders, mashed potatoes (but with a few veggies thrown in) and a hard cider! It was sooo good!  Our last night we grabbed a burger at 5 Napkin (yes, It was the best burger I have had in a long time!) We also ate lunch at the famous Joe’s Stone Crab. 

I am so glad were were able to eat at Joe’s as it is a Miami hot spot and my crab cake sandwich was unlike any I have ever had. Nice presentation too!

If you do head to Miami a trip down Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive is a must, Drinks poolside @DelanoSoBe is also recommended. I loved my pina colada (but if you want several drinks be warned that they are $17 each!)

We really weren’t into partying too much as laying by the pool @FontaineBleau was a party itself and lots of fun to people watch (I thought I had high heels but I have never seen so many platform heels in my life) The fashions were also very colorful – for men, women and kids! One family stepped on our elevator and the dad had on orange skinny jeans and converse sneakers, the mom had on a flower dress and the boy and girl had on bright pink polo shirts.  We visited the spa Lapis  and we just opted for a trip to the mineral pools, massage-jet showers and a trip to the quiet room.  We both emerged three hours later so relaxed.  So if you are looking for a great, quick get-a-way check out all Miami has to offer – especially @FontaineBleau!

 

Fontaine Bleau pool!
View from our room @Fontaine Bleau

 

Lunch At Joe’s Stone Crab
Girls’ Night out @DelanoSoBe
Categories
Events Uncategorized

Lots of helpful products and services @Nixi Baby Expo

What a fun time at the Nixi Expo at the Westin Hotel in Waltham yesterday.  The folk there sent me a ticket to check out all the baby products and services that a new mom would need to help her out a bit!  They also had massages and nail care on hand as well.  I loved especially seeing the at home care services – like those that help after you take the baby home from the hospital. It is a stressful time those first few days, especially if it is your first child.  Nutrition, skin care and baby products lined the room so new moms and moms-to-be had a chance to sample and see what they really need!

I especially liked:

  •  Milk and Cookies  – A  lactation consultant as well as a first aid & CPR instructor that would come to you home for sessions.
  • My It Works.com – A nutrition and detox system and products to help get your body in shape.
  • Juice Plus -  The next best thing to fruits & vegetables. Juice Plus+® is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains.

If you missed this one don’t worry as there will be another event in the fall. For more information check out their web site here.

Disclosure: I was given a free ticket, massage and a swag bag to attend and write about the expo. All opinions are my own.

 

Milk n Cookies

Dancing for health!

Strollers and more!
Categories
Events

Lots of helpful products and services @Nixi Baby Expo

What a fun time at the Nixi Expo at the Westin Hotel in Waltham yesterday.  The folk there sent me a ticket to check out all the baby products and services that a new mom would need to help her out a bit!  They also had massages and nail care on hand as well.  I loved especially seeing the at home care services – like those that help after you take the baby home from the hospital. It is a stressful time those first few days, especially if it is your first child.  Nutrition, skin care and baby products lined the room so new moms and moms-to-be had a chance to sample and see what they really need!

I especially liked:

  •  Milk and Cookies  – A  lactation consultant as well as a first aid & CPR instructor that would come to you home for sessions.
  • My It Works.com – A nutrition and detox system and products to help get your body in shape.
  • Juice Plus -  The next best thing to fruits & vegetables. Juice Plus+® is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains.

If you missed this one don’t worry as there will be another event in the fall. For more information check out their web site here.

Disclosure: I was given a free ticket, massage and a swag bag to attend and write about the expo. All opinions are my own.

 

Milk n Cookies

Dancing for health!

Strollers and more!
Categories
Events Holidays Uncategorized

Easter talk, what’s up with the weather and more @980WCAP

Each week I have the pleasure of being a part of the Midday Cafe with Jack Baldwin on 980 WCAP-AM in which I give the trendymommies.com report. This week we talked about Easter, the spring that seems like it will never arrive and April fools days’ jokes. Listen in.

WCAPApril2

 

Categories
Events Holidays

Easter talk, what’s up with the weather and more @980WCAP

Each week I have the pleasure of being a part of the Midday Cafe with Jack Baldwin on 980 WCAP-AM in which I give the trendymommies.com report. This week we talked about Easter, the spring that seems like it will never arrive and April fools days’ jokes. Listen in.

WCAPApril2