Author: trendymommies

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Uncategorized

Top 5 Tips for a great self tan this summer #selftanner #summertips #summer

The hot weather has arrived and summer is right around the corner. Now that I am older I wear a high SPF ALL THE TIME! I do like a bit of color and over the years have tried a ton of self tanning products. Some work and some don’t. As a person with fair skin I know you have to be careful with what types of products you use too. I tested out a new line called Skinny Tan and thought the products were great. So with summer here I thought it would be time to list my top 5 tips for a great self tan.

1. Use the mitt please – no tan palms.  I use a self tanning mitt that comes with most products as some of the latest products dry super quick. What I do after I apply self tanner with the mitt is go over any parts that need to be rubbed in a bit more with my hands and quickly wash. I also make sure I self tan at night as to let myself dry overnight as you need it to sit for at least 8 hours no matter what the directions say.

2. Exfoliate days before and day of to get the best result – prep your skin days before by exfoliating and moisturizing before and then day of exfoliate for best results. Skinny Tan has the best exfoliator and it smells like coconuts. What I like about Skinny Tan is it is made with a seed tanner plus they also use naturally derived Guarana that together with the tan will help make cellulite look visibly smoother and less obvious – bonus!

3.  Keep skin hydrated to make the tan last – You have to moisturize your skin as you don’t want flaky skin to come off with the tanner. What is tricky is I like to use oil and have not found an oil that does not take off the tanner until I tried Skinny Tan. Skinny Tan makes a nice after glow which is an oil that gives your skin a very nice sheen!

4.  If you have a big event to go to don’t test out self tanners but use a bronzer instead- A big event is not the time to test out a brand new self tanner that worked on your friend (because each skin tone is different) instead use a 24 hour instant bronzer that you can see going on that way you wont make any mistakes! Skinny Tan has a great bronzer that washed off easily with soap and water. However, be warned if it rains it will run a bit!

5.  Choose your lotion or mousse wisely – I like lotion the best. I found that certain mousses wash off right away in the shower the next day. One lotion I love is Vita Liberata as it lasts. The Skinny Tan does last as well but it did go on a bit thick so the next day the color was a bit overwhelming, however it faded each day and by the 3rd day I had a nice golden tan!

Don’t forget to use that SPF over any self tanner as many self tanners do not offer SPF!

Disclosure: Skinny Tan sent me a few products to test out; all opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

Try Skinny Tan for a natural glow with ingredients to smooth out cellulite
Try Skinny Tan for a natural glow with ingredients to smooth out cellulite

 

Categories
Uncategorized

A review: @SeaCrestCapeCod – perfect for a quick get-a-way #Falmouth

I have always loved Cape Cod and have frequently visited the lower and outer cape towns so many times over the years. It was not until a few years ago that I really discovered Falmouth. Oh sure I have been to Woods Hole to take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard but never really stayed or ventured out in town. We were able to spend an overnight at The Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth (they were kind enough to extend the media rate) during April school vacation week and what a trip! As soon as we checked in and got to our ocean front room we were relaxed and the beach is RIGHT there! In fact if you stay in an ocean front room your kids can be on the beach and you can sit on your deck to watch them just feet away.

This waterfront resort is set on Old Silver Beach and is less than seven miles from Main Street Falmouth shopping and dining. The amenities are wonderful and include a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a poolside bar. We were treated to lunch at Red’s and with the views of the ocean my kids said it felt like we were eating lunch on a ship! The sunset is stunning from this hotel and we highly recommend staying for April school vacation week. In fact I have never seen the water that clear and blue on the cape before – a very special location indeed!  This resort offers group activities, movie nights and especially for the kids the KANGAROO CLUB! Learn more about all the fun here.

The resort also has a conference center and is the perfect location for a wedding!

The weather was almost 70 degrees the day we were there and it felt like summer. We will have to go back to check out the resort in the summer as the kids really wanted to experience the outdoor pool!

Disclosure:  I stayed for an overnight at the Sea Crest using their special media rate and was treated to a lunch at Red’s. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

The fish and chips at Red's restaurant @SeaCrestCapeCod is fab!
The fish and chips at Red’s restaurant @SeaCrestCapeCod is fab!
Stunning views and clear water @SeaCrestCapeCod
Stunning views and clear water @SeaCrestCapeCod
The most beautiful sunset is @SeaCrestCapeCod
The most beautiful sunset is @SeaCrestCapeCod
The view from the ocean front room @SeaCrestCapeCod Kid friendly, welcoming staff and THE VIEW is what makes this resort special!
The view from the ocean front room @SeaCrestCapeCod Kid friendly, welcoming staff and THE VIEW is what makes this resort special!
Categories
Events

Calling All Kids @redsox – get your free tickets #redsoxmoms

There is some exciting kids & family initiatives for the Red Sox season at Fenway Park! On the top of the list is of course free tickets for kids & student discount tickets. Entry-level membership in Red Sox Kid Nation (children 14 and under) will be free, and every child in the program can attend a game for free. You can begin signing up for the membership and free tickets HERE.

New this year for the first time, the club will offer a virtual reality experience at Fenway Park through a series of 360 videos that give exclusive, all-access views of what it’s like to be a Red Sox player during the 2016 season. Very cool! The virtual reality stations will be available to kids in Wally’s Clubhouse and to all fans in the Kids Concourse and the videos will also be available to fans online too.

Coming to a neighborhood near you debuting the week of May 9th – Be on the lookout for the Red Sox Mobile Truck. The Red Sox will take Fenway Park on the road with a new mobile truck that will bring the ballpark experience to communities throughout New England. The Red Sox Mobile Experience presented by T-Mobile features a 15-foot truck with panels that move to remake the Green Monster wall. The truck will carry a batting cage, virtual reality dugout, and pitching stations to dozens of cities and towns during the 2016 season.

If you have been to a game  you know the little ones can take a break at Wally’s Clubhouse. A few, fun new things this year include:

  • A rolling mobile exhibit will feature a miniature fiberglass version of Pesky’s Pole that youngsters can sign with a dry erase marker, a piece of the padded field wall that lines the infield and outfield, and various compartments with objects for them to feel, such as a deconstructed baseball and Fenway Park dirt.
  • Miniature lockers staged to look just like the ones in the Red Sox clubhouse will be installed in Wally’s Clubhouse, and an oversized trunk filled with authentic Red Sox jerseys, cleats, and batting gloves will be available for kids to play dress up!
  • The Red Sox will also host a comprehensive clinic later in the season for kids who want to learn how to score the game.
  • At the end of Spring Training, Tessie the Green Monster (Wally’s sister) will take her place in the Kids Concourse where she will be a permanent staple before and during Red Sox home games throughout the season.

Disclosure: I am part of the Red Sox Moms initiatives and as such was treated to a luncheon and goody bag and got to hear all about the great venues that the Red Sox and Fenway Park has to offer.

Our new #RedSoxmoms shirt this season
Our new #RedSoxmoms shirt this season

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Health Products skin care

Positive energy skin care? A review @skinagain

Lots of beauty products come across our desk to review at trendymommies. We try to look for all natural, paraben free products and ones that help solve a problem. The folks at SkinAgain sent us a few products to test out. Called positive energy skincare SkinAgain suggests to enhance your beauty with positive affirmations. Hey it can’t hurt right?

Each SkinAgain product is Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paraben & Sulphate-Free and Cruelty-Free. The company says they rely on the latest in research-supported skin care technology. I tested out the Vanish and Youth creams.

Vanish is a lotion that is used to fade the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and scars. It is made with a blend of shea butter, avocado seed extract, and bentonite. The cost is $52. I liked how soothing it is. Time will tell about fading the appearance but I liked the smell and the soothing properties. For this one I will have to circle back to tell you how my skin is after a month.

The youth anti-wrikle brightening cream is like a “facelift” primer and can be used under makeup. It is made with Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Tree Fern Extract, and Peptides. It is used to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, darks spots, and loss of elasticity. This definitely felt nice going on. The cost is $64. I have only been using it a week and can see a difference. I do love how they are vegan and gluten free as well. Check them out online. 

They suggest to meditate on a positive affirmation during application of each cream to say something such as My skin is flawless! I like saying my skin is wrinkle free….and it will be with youth!

 

Disclosure: The company sent me the vanish and youth to review. All opinions are my own in this blog post.

Categories
food

Tasty and fun cooking: A review @blueapron #blueapron

We have a pretty busy schedule during the week and coupled with the fact that I am not a cook….well, deciding what to “prepare” for dinner is always a challenge! I was lucky to receive a few ingredients for meals delivered to my door courtesy of Blue Apron. This delivery service provides you with all the ingredients and a step by step guide to cook the dinner. You can  choose the day day that works best (free delivery) and all the ingredients arrive in a refrigerated box so food stays fresh. All the ingredients are measured for you. What I like about Blue Apron is that you can try it out and cancel it at any time if you decide it’s not for  you. But you have to try it! It makes cooking fun as it takes the work away! It really is a great way to introduce you to new recipes and flavors too- hello….I had no idea what Gai Lan was or anise pods but I cooked with them and the dinner was delish!

Blue Apron sent us two dinners – mexican spiced turkey burgers and star anise & soy-glazed cod. I love how there is a one sheet with color photos with all the ingredients in a simple, step by step guide (because…you know I can’t cook) My kids loved the turkey burgers and we when we said Gai Lan was Chinese broccoli, well they ate it up!

I also appreciated that the prep time was 10-15 minutes so that you are not spending hours cooking – a bonus! Price per serving for a family is low as $8.74 (less than a dinner out) The food was really tasty and something I would have never cooked on my own. We will be ordering again down the road for sure! Below are a few photos. The cod dish was a big hit and the family was so hungry that I had no photos of that dish – but it was fresh, easy to make and very unique ingredients!

Disclosure: Blue Apron sent me two meals to test out. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

A delivery of fresh food ready to cook courtesy of Blue Apron
A delivery of fresh food ready to cook courtesy of Blue Apron
Turkey Burger ingredients! @blueapron
Turkey Burger ingredients! @blueapron
The completed burgers!
The completed burgers!

 

Categories
books

A review: A new, fun cookbook @100CalPortions The Perfect Portion Cookbook

As a busy mom and businesswoman I am always on the lookout for quick, tasty and easy recipes!

I found that and a new way to look at recipes all divided by 100 calorie portions in a new cookbook. I was lucky to receive a copy of The Perfect Portion Cookbook (new this month!) that makes it easy to enjoy favorite comfort foods by using this unique first-ever 100-calorie-counting system. Happy Days TV star and director Anson Williams was inspired to write the book after visiting the supermarket and seeing all the 100-calorie snack packs. The Perfect Portion Cookbook was co-written with New York Times best-selling cookbook author Bob Warden and food/nutrition expert Mona Dolgov.

This very visual, colorful and easy to follow cookbook is filled with over 150-family favorite recipes. I cannot wait to try to stovetop mac & cheese as well as try to make my own classic tomato soup! It has a recipe for everything from vegetable fried rice to French toast and even sauces like pesto, tzatziki and dressings. There is a great desert section too including recipes for lemon bars, chocolate chip cookies and even fudge. Most of the recipes include better for you ingredients like Greek yogurt, olive oil, fruit and veggies. What I really like about The Perfect Portion Cookbook is how it is color divided with a quick look at the top right hand corner of each page you can see the recipes divided by color for breakfast, casseroles, everyday meals, etc. I also like how each recipe lists prep time and bake time and some even provide a quick helpful tip at the bottom of the page!

This remarkable cookbook is a go-to eating guide with recipes, meal plan tools, tips for 100-calorie smart snacks and a list of everyday exercises that are essential for a healthy lifestyle.

This book provides a great way to watch your calories and manage portion sizes so it’s easy to follow. So whether you want 100, 200 or even 400 calorie portions – you can eat what you want without the guilt. The recipes are “comfort food” oriented too so all my favorite snacks, meals and deserts are listed in the book! Check out the web site  and you will find lots of good information.

Here is a link to purchase it on Amazon.

Disclosure: I was sent a preview copy of The Perfect Portion Cookbook to review. All opinions are my own.

A fun, new colorful cookbook on the market: The Perfect Portion
A fun, new colorful cookbook on the market: The Perfect Portion
Every page of The Perfect Portion Cookbook has easy, yummy recipes
Every page of The Perfect Portion Cookbook has easy, yummy recipes

 

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Events Uncategorized

Be there for @BostonBizWomen #bostonbusinesswomen #innovationconference May 9th at the @WestinCopleyPl

There are a lot of networking and conference events for women and while I try to attend as many as I can as a busy entrepreneur and mom my time does not allow me to attend them all. The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is one I cannot miss. The inaugural Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is a conference developed by the group Boston Business Women and will take place May 9, 2016 at the Westin Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Arianna Huffington, president and editor in chief of The Huffington Post is the keynote speaker and the event will be emceed by Emmy award-winning producer and television personality, Jenny Johnson. The founders of Boston Business Women (which is a group I highly recommend you join) was founded by Kristina Tsipouras and Megan Marini.

Here’s a link to the schedule, as well as a link to purchase tickets here.

The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference will cover several topics, including money mindset, the secrets of success, personal branding and how to master work-life balance – I need this one for sure! I cannot wait to network and meet other like-minded business women.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend and given a free ticket. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

Categories
Events

Be there for @BostonBizWomen #bostonbusinesswomen #innovationconference May 9th at the @WestinCopleyPl

There are a lot of networking and conference events for women and while I try to attend as many as I can as a busy entrepreneur and mom my time does not allow me to attend them all. The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is one I cannot miss. The inaugural Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is a conference developed by the group Boston Business Women and will take place May 9, 2016 at the Westin Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Arianna Huffington, president and editor in chief of The Huffington Post is the keynote speaker and the event will be emceed by Emmy award-winning producer and television personality, Jenny Johnson. The founders of Boston Business Women (which is a group I highly recommend you join) was founded by Kristina Tsipouras and Megan Marini.

Here’s a link to the schedule, as well as a link to purchase tickets here.

The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference will cover several topics, including money mindset, the secrets of success, personal branding and how to master work-life balance – I need this one for sure! I cannot wait to network and meet other like-minded business women.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend and given a free ticket. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

Categories
Events

Be there for @BostonBizWomen #bostonbusinesswomen #innovationconference May 9th at the @WestinCopleyPl

There are a lot of networking and conference events for women and while I try to attend as many as I can as a busy entrepreneur and mom my time does not allow me to attend them all. The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is one I cannot miss. The inaugural Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is a conference developed by the group Boston Business Women and will take place May 9, 2016 at the Westin Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Arianna Huffington, president and editor in chief of The Huffington Post is the keynote speaker and the event will be emceed by Emmy award-winning producer and television personality, Jenny Johnson. The founders of Boston Business Women (which is a group I highly recommend you join) was founded by Kristina Tsipouras and Megan Marini.

Here’s a link to the schedule, as well as a link to purchase tickets here.

The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference will cover several topics, including money mindset, the secrets of success, personal branding and how to master work-life balance – I need this one for sure! I cannot wait to network and meet other like-minded business women.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend and given a free ticket. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

Categories
Travel

Vacation memories #travel #vacation #Miami #Naples #MarcoIsland @marcomarriott

It is so hard to get back to school, work and a routine after being on vacation!  We were lucky to be able to stay with friends and visit with friends while we were in Miami!

We also spent time in Fort Lauderdale, Naples and Marco Island. I had never been to the “other side of Florida” and it was just wonderful.  Check out the west coast the next time you are in Florida and especially check out the Marco Marriott.  We were also lucky in that we had a few days and the weekend to relax at home before the kids went back to school and I went back to work. We tried to do the usual – get to bed early a few days before and eat at a normal time – what ways do you get back into a routine after a vacation?

 

Fun in the sun in #Florida #marcomarriott 3travel
Fun in the sun in #Florida #marcomarriott #travel