So, my question to you is this? How do you keep your "look" or "style" going when your size is forever changing? I'd love some input. More later, but for now I need to go stand in front of a fan. It's sickeningly hot in the house!
01 July 2010
Summer Style Rut . . .
I won't deny it. The past few summers, I have been in a major clothing rut. Now part of this has to do with being unable to devote more than a few dollars here and there to my wardrobe. But the major issue has been dealing with a body going through major changes. I was pregnant, recovering from surgeries or major illnesses, the list never really ends. When I know my body is going to be changing a lot, I really don't devote major chunks of time and money to it. The result is me in a pretty humdrum "wardrobe" if you can even call it that.
So, my question to you is this? How do you keep your "look" or "style" going when your size is forever changing? I'd love some input. More later, but for now I need to go stand in front of a fan. It's sickeningly hot in the house!
So, my question to you is this? How do you keep your "look" or "style" going when your size is forever changing? I'd love some input. More later, but for now I need to go stand in front of a fan. It's sickeningly hot in the house!
09 June 2010
Frugal Clothing
This weekend I was in dire need of some new clothes. My body is going through some weird change, probably because of my new workout routine and change in eating habits. I was down to one pair of shorts and three shirts to last me the entire summer season. Not good...especially when ninety-percent of all we do is outside and I have a toddler and a kindergartner who think my clothes are napkins!
I decided to go to a local thrift store, in a community that is wealthy. I was amazed by what I found. I got a pair of shorts, capris, and a dress all for under $9.00. The items were all namebrand and in great condition. Each memmber of my family got multiple items of clothing, we spent $24.00 all together.
There are some keys I have found for buying new to you clothing and getting the most for your time and money.
1. Choose a community or town that is wealthier or known for it's fashion.
2. Don't be ashamed, you are getting a bargain for new clothing.
3. Find clothes that fit you today, not that you may fit into when you lose five pounds. That is not spending your money wisely.
4. Check for holes, snags, stains, etc. on each item. Yes, it may only be $3.00, but that is $3.00 that will turn into more or go to waste if you settle.
5. Set a limit before you go shopping. It is very easy to say "this is only $2.00", "this is $3.00" and then you will nickle and dime yourself into a bind. The key is to save money.
You can find garage sales in your local newspaper or classifieds the week before the sales. Mark out a route, get up early, and make a morning of it. I enjoy making it a family event, but if you would prefer to make it a "me-time" morning, that would be fun also.
Have fun shopping!
- Rebecca
I decided to go to a local thrift store, in a community that is wealthy. I was amazed by what I found. I got a pair of shorts, capris, and a dress all for under $9.00. The items were all namebrand and in great condition. Each memmber of my family got multiple items of clothing, we spent $24.00 all together.
There are some keys I have found for buying new to you clothing and getting the most for your time and money.
1. Choose a community or town that is wealthier or known for it's fashion.
2. Don't be ashamed, you are getting a bargain for new clothing.
3. Find clothes that fit you today, not that you may fit into when you lose five pounds. That is not spending your money wisely.
4. Check for holes, snags, stains, etc. on each item. Yes, it may only be $3.00, but that is $3.00 that will turn into more or go to waste if you settle.
5. Set a limit before you go shopping. It is very easy to say "this is only $2.00", "this is $3.00" and then you will nickle and dime yourself into a bind. The key is to save money.
You can find garage sales in your local newspaper or classifieds the week before the sales. Mark out a route, get up early, and make a morning of it. I enjoy making it a family event, but if you would prefer to make it a "me-time" morning, that would be fun also.
Have fun shopping!
- Rebecca
05 June 2010
You are beautiful
Last night I went to a Luau themed party. As I was getting ready to go, and looking might cute I might add, I couldn't help but think of my self-confidence.
As moms we have quirks with our body's that we did not have before we were moms. Our once perky breasts may resemble more of a deflated punching ball after breastfeeding our children. The tummy that we used to strut around in our bikini has become the victim of stretch marks and scars that is neatly hidden behind a tankini. Oh yes, and the showers that we used to be allowed to take for an hour indulging ourselves in exfoliating, shaving, and cleaning has now been narrowed down to the bare necessity of the day....usually depending on if we're going to sleep in shorts or not that night! All in good humor, our bodies have taken a beating for our children. Naturally our confidence will sag...along with some other things!
Take time today to accentuate the good things. I feel I have a very attractive shoulder and upper chest area. I accentuate this with halters and necklaces. If you have awesome calves, bring attention to those with bermuda shorts or a length of skirt that accentuates the calf.
Take time to paint your toenails, buy a quick drying polish so you don't have to wait for it to dry. Find a hairstyle that is attractive on you and is easily styled.
As silly as it may sound and feel, tell yourself in the mirror each morning "I am beautiful, I am loved, I am sexy, and I am one hot mama!" then go confidently about your day!!
XOXO,
Rebecca
As moms we have quirks with our body's that we did not have before we were moms. Our once perky breasts may resemble more of a deflated punching ball after breastfeeding our children. The tummy that we used to strut around in our bikini has become the victim of stretch marks and scars that is neatly hidden behind a tankini. Oh yes, and the showers that we used to be allowed to take for an hour indulging ourselves in exfoliating, shaving, and cleaning has now been narrowed down to the bare necessity of the day....usually depending on if we're going to sleep in shorts or not that night! All in good humor, our bodies have taken a beating for our children. Naturally our confidence will sag...along with some other things!
Take time today to accentuate the good things. I feel I have a very attractive shoulder and upper chest area. I accentuate this with halters and necklaces. If you have awesome calves, bring attention to those with bermuda shorts or a length of skirt that accentuates the calf.
Take time to paint your toenails, buy a quick drying polish so you don't have to wait for it to dry. Find a hairstyle that is attractive on you and is easily styled.
As silly as it may sound and feel, tell yourself in the mirror each morning "I am beautiful, I am loved, I am sexy, and I am one hot mama!" then go confidently about your day!!
XOXO,
Rebecca
31 May 2010
Product Reviews For Summer Beauty
Sara here and Happy Memorial Day to you all!
It's summer! We've established that and I'd like to tell you about a few cheap finds I got recently to make my summer a little prettier! Let me just remind you, for a long time, I was a die hard "expensive beauty products only" kind of gal. But I'm a mama on a budget now and after a few trials and errors, I've found a few things I love this summer that I really want to share with you all.
-First up ELF cosmetics. Of all places, you'd never expect to find these little gems, I found them at our grocery store. And every single one is a dollar! Now at that price, I could afford to replace a few things like some sad makeup bushes, some lip balm that was tinted peach, and especially a cuticle oil pen! I spent $6 and got 6 things that usually cost way, way, way more. The makeup brushes, while made of synthetic fibers are soft, blend easily, and look to be very durable.
-Walmart brand Equate Healthy Glow Firming gradual tan lotion used to be such.a.nightmare. It smelled awful, it was splotchy in application and was a general overall waste of time. However, after sniffing a tube of the "new improved formula, I gave it another try. I had a coupon too so I got it for about $3.50! It's normally $4.67 I believe. They've really improved and minimized the scent, and the new formula seems to really be much easier to use. I read an article on better application of self tanners, so I will share that with you soon, but honestly the only places I had any splotches were on some dry and rough skin on my feet and hands (which should be expected). It washed off of my hands very nicely and the scent was very light, clean, and endurable.
-I've recently started to get into Garnier Fructisse hair styling products and one that's especially good for the summer is their new "Instant Color Sealer Lightweight Leave In". It's got Acai Berry and Grapeseed oil, so the scent is very nice and overall it is MUCH lighter weight than a lot of serums and leave ins. I've come to use it every day, whether I'm outside long or not. At $3.33, it was well worth the money. My hair color is looking good and my hair is soft and manageable.
-Nails, nails, nails. Nails are so important to me. I used to just gnaw them down to bloody stubs but NO MORE. I made a commitment to stop biting, and keep my nails at a short and filed easy length to manage. I'm a big fan of nail strengtheners but I've become an even BIGGER fan of three nail polishes I want to tell you about!
-So remember when we were all younger and Wet-n-Wild was pretty darned awful stuff? Gloppy, sloppy, cheapo but we all used it anyhow? Well it seems someone got the message it was time for a revamp and behold their Megalast Nail colors!! I have one in "candy-licious Pink" (don't judge- it's pretty) and it lasted the entire week. But I do believe it had a little help from my Sally Hansen "Hard As Nails" top coat which is also quick drying. I love the quick dry formula and it really keeps my nails from being bendy and brittle as they can be. Last but not least, I did splurge on some new nail colors for Mother's Day. One of them was Essie's "Lilacism" which at first I really wasn't sure about because it's more towards the blue end of lilac or lavender but the more I wear it, the more I go for it's unconventional neutral appeal. Do check it out, you may be surprised. As I work on my tan (I know, I know) it seems to look better and better.
Alright, Happy Memorial Day! We had a picnic and spent some time at the park before I had deep fun mowing our lawn and our neighbors. It's naptime now but tonight I will be treating myself to a lavender scented bubble bath and hope you all do something nice for yourself this week too.
Much love!
Sara Rose
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It's summer! We've established that and I'd like to tell you about a few cheap finds I got recently to make my summer a little prettier! Let me just remind you, for a long time, I was a die hard "expensive beauty products only" kind of gal. But I'm a mama on a budget now and after a few trials and errors, I've found a few things I love this summer that I really want to share with you all.
-First up ELF cosmetics. Of all places, you'd never expect to find these little gems, I found them at our grocery store. And every single one is a dollar! Now at that price, I could afford to replace a few things like some sad makeup bushes, some lip balm that was tinted peach, and especially a cuticle oil pen! I spent $6 and got 6 things that usually cost way, way, way more. The makeup brushes, while made of synthetic fibers are soft, blend easily, and look to be very durable.
-Walmart brand Equate Healthy Glow Firming gradual tan lotion used to be such.a.nightmare. It smelled awful, it was splotchy in application and was a general overall waste of time. However, after sniffing a tube of the "new improved formula, I gave it another try. I had a coupon too so I got it for about $3.50! It's normally $4.67 I believe. They've really improved and minimized the scent, and the new formula seems to really be much easier to use. I read an article on better application of self tanners, so I will share that with you soon, but honestly the only places I had any splotches were on some dry and rough skin on my feet and hands (which should be expected). It washed off of my hands very nicely and the scent was very light, clean, and endurable.
-I've recently started to get into Garnier Fructisse hair styling products and one that's especially good for the summer is their new "Instant Color Sealer Lightweight Leave In". It's got Acai Berry and Grapeseed oil, so the scent is very nice and overall it is MUCH lighter weight than a lot of serums and leave ins. I've come to use it every day, whether I'm outside long or not. At $3.33, it was well worth the money. My hair color is looking good and my hair is soft and manageable.
-Nails, nails, nails. Nails are so important to me. I used to just gnaw them down to bloody stubs but NO MORE. I made a commitment to stop biting, and keep my nails at a short and filed easy length to manage. I'm a big fan of nail strengtheners but I've become an even BIGGER fan of three nail polishes I want to tell you about!
-So remember when we were all younger and Wet-n-Wild was pretty darned awful stuff? Gloppy, sloppy, cheapo but we all used it anyhow? Well it seems someone got the message it was time for a revamp and behold their Megalast Nail colors!! I have one in "candy-licious Pink" (don't judge- it's pretty) and it lasted the entire week. But I do believe it had a little help from my Sally Hansen "Hard As Nails" top coat which is also quick drying. I love the quick dry formula and it really keeps my nails from being bendy and brittle as they can be. Last but not least, I did splurge on some new nail colors for Mother's Day. One of them was Essie's "Lilacism" which at first I really wasn't sure about because it's more towards the blue end of lilac or lavender but the more I wear it, the more I go for it's unconventional neutral appeal. Do check it out, you may be surprised. As I work on my tan (I know, I know) it seems to look better and better.
Alright, Happy Memorial Day! We had a picnic and spent some time at the park before I had deep fun mowing our lawn and our neighbors. It's naptime now but tonight I will be treating myself to a lavender scented bubble bath and hope you all do something nice for yourself this week too.
Much love!
Sara Rose
24 May 2010
Beyond Tanks, Tees, and Shorts
It's hot...I've already established that it is hot right now. The easiest thing to do is slip on a tank top, shorts, and flip flops. The most easiest thing to do is to where the same outfit five days a week over my bathing suit. This is why I am not only contributing to "Mamas Fashion Rehab", but I am also a recovering blah junkie.
Each day I have to make a personal and willful decision to not put on the gray bermuda shorts and plum tank top that I have been wearing faithfully for the past four months. I have to look at my closet as frugally kept as it is and have to decide what will keep me cool, comfortable, and most of all cute. Right now I am absolutely in love with Old Navy Cabana Dresses. Airy, bright, and comfy....looks good over my swimsuit or a tank and flip flops scream "I am a beach bum!" It's ease and fashionista in one. I can wear it in the morning, to the pool or beach, to lunch, to Happy Hour at Sonic, and finally out at night if I want to.
Another must have for me is halters from Banana Republic. I love my shoulders and chest area (ladies, forget about the body parts that you are insecure about and focus on the ones that make you feel good about yourself and flaunt it), the halter is perfect fit and it accentuates the body parts I love most. That paired with a summer skirt or shorts and of course flip flops can be worn night to day and is super comfortable.
Remember, even though it is bathing suit season, it doesn't mean you can only look cute in a bathing suit. Look cute each day, do something that will make you feel good about being you. As a wife, mother, homeschool educator, and all that being a stay at home mom and wife encompasses, I try to make an effort each day to do something for me that reminds me I am a lady and I deserve to feel beautiful.
Take time today for you, because you deserve it.
XOXO - in summertime bliss,
Rebecca
Each day I have to make a personal and willful decision to not put on the gray bermuda shorts and plum tank top that I have been wearing faithfully for the past four months. I have to look at my closet as frugally kept as it is and have to decide what will keep me cool, comfortable, and most of all cute. Right now I am absolutely in love with Old Navy Cabana Dresses. Airy, bright, and comfy....looks good over my swimsuit or a tank and flip flops scream "I am a beach bum!" It's ease and fashionista in one. I can wear it in the morning, to the pool or beach, to lunch, to Happy Hour at Sonic, and finally out at night if I want to.
Another must have for me is halters from Banana Republic. I love my shoulders and chest area (ladies, forget about the body parts that you are insecure about and focus on the ones that make you feel good about yourself and flaunt it), the halter is perfect fit and it accentuates the body parts I love most. That paired with a summer skirt or shorts and of course flip flops can be worn night to day and is super comfortable.
Remember, even though it is bathing suit season, it doesn't mean you can only look cute in a bathing suit. Look cute each day, do something that will make you feel good about being you. As a wife, mother, homeschool educator, and all that being a stay at home mom and wife encompasses, I try to make an effort each day to do something for me that reminds me I am a lady and I deserve to feel beautiful.
Take time today for you, because you deserve it.
XOXO - in summertime bliss,
Rebecca
Sara Rose and Summer Beauty
Image via WikipediaSo. First things first. Skin. I have a good complexion, actually a great one that I am REALLY proud of. BUT, I worked my butt off for it. I used to have really crappy skin and I have a few things that make me unhappy but whatever. I've got dark under eye circles but other than that, I happened upon a skin regimen that really helps me skin look it's very best.
Everyday, I use Cetaphil's Gentle Skin wash for normal/combination skin. I use Loreal brand eye makeup remover and heap-tons of lotion. Daytime is Aveeno Positively Radiant with SPF 15 and night time is Oil of Olay Night Cream for sensitive skin or Clinique moisture Surge night time gel with antioxidants. Weekly or twice weekly, I use a gentle scub by Melaleuca to get rid of dry stuff and then Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask.
I believe in good skin care because honestly, if you take care of your skin, it takes care of you. Feed it with PLENTY of water, lotion, and baths with moisturizing oils or salts. Exfoliate weekly, and use lots of lotion every day. Use sun screen, though I will admit that I am really bad at it. The most you can get me in is SPF 15 if I remember. I've never, that I can remember, had sun burns, and tan easily so that doesn't help my bad use of sun screen. I'll get better! I promise!
Now. Let's talk makeup. I used to be the foundation QUEEN back in pageant days. As I've gotten older, I've begun to use less makeup but become more experimental with it. Rebecca mentioneed clinique's Copper Penny eyeshadow and I used to wear that one too! Now I gravitate towards really shimmery neutrals on the eyes or I'll do something bold, like a teal eyeliner or layer purples for a smokey eye hen I want to glam it up.
Mascara is my never ending struggle. I have the palest and sparsest lashes ever. If I don't wear some form of mascara every day, people think I'm dying (remember those eye circles?). So on days I feel really minimal I use Cover Girl's water proof Mascara in brown (It comes in the blue tube), concealor (Loreal True Blend in W123), a bit of bronzer or Nars blush in Orgasm, and tinted lip balm. I love Nivea's newest shimmery tinted lip balm. It's not gooey at all.
For when I do glam it up more, I am a die-hard user of Clinique's "Almost Makeup". It's somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a lower coverage foundation. I also like their City Block Sheers. Both have SPF (hurrah, right). I am still on the hunt for the perfect volumnizing and lengthening mascara to do SOMETHING with my puny lashes. I do use the Cover Girl mineral blush/shimmer powder in Shimmering Sands because it is so sheer as an all over powder, dusting it on light. I can't really go without powder, I do have combination skin.
I try to keep it light and easy in the summer. A dime of sheer tinted moisturizzer, some concealor, some powder. A little blush and mascara, a shimmery neutral on the eyelids, then an easy to deal with lip gloss. Done.
I do have a love of eyeliner and used to be a die hard, black only, eyeliner user. I've branched out and started experimenting with pewters, plums, brown black, and teal. I always follow it up with a shimmery neutral. I do have a tip when one goes all out with eye shadows. To really blend your darkest color tht you use in the corner and crease, put them on first then blend the lightest shadows over them to soften the whole effect and make it a little smokier. I've recently gotten into the Almay and Cover Girl sets of eye shadow that are specific to eye colors but I always have my trusty super shimmery neutrals in my trousseau.
On my cheeks I either use Clinique's "Bronzer Blossoms" in almond or Nars' "Orgasm" blush. I am the most experimental with my lips but tend to stick to sheer pinky browns for every day wear. I recently got a Maybelline lip gloss in "Crazy for Caramel" and a few Cover Girl Lip Stains to try out. I am almost always trying new things on my lips.
Last but not least, lets not forget nails!!! It's summer! Have fun with bold brights or colors you may have never thought to try before! Case in point, I bought Essie's "Red Label", "Lilacism", "Sugar Daddy", and "Mod Squad" on a whim (with major coupons from both Essie and Trade Secret) and I love them for summer. I do my nails weekly. Sometimes I only do nail strengthener, sometimes I go all out and do my nails up in a fun color and it perks me up the whole week. Soon, I'll post some tips on how to get salon quaality mani/pedis at home.
Last but not least, lets talk hair. I have a great pixie cut and strawberry blond hair that has been chemically enhanced to keep my childhood hair colr alive as long as possible. I stumbled onto this absolutely fantastic new product Garnier's "UV/UBE COLOR SHIELD" that also helps act as a bit of a leave in conditioner. It smells fantastic and is suited for any color of color treated hair. Other than that, I deep condition weekly and because I have dry hair, I only "wash" it twice a week. It gets rinsed daily but any more shampoo than that and I've got a 'fro. I use Silk Drops and Garnier "Fiber Gum Putty" or "surf Hair" and a titch of Tresemme quick dry hair spray. My hair takes less than ten minutes to do and I love it because it takes advantage of my natural wave and curls.
Last but not least, lets talk frgrance. Honestly, my day isn't complete without a spritz of something on my collar bone but in the summer you just can't wear heavy scents. See if your favorite scents have "sheer" versions or "body mists" or just find a signature summer scent. My signature summer scents are Stella Sheer and Dior's Poison Tendre. In the winter, you can't tear me away from Viktor and Rolf's Flower Bomb or Chanels Coco Mademoiselle. I have yet to find sheer versions of either.
Have fun, gals! Keep it beautiful, keep it easy, and most of all, remember that looking your best makes you a better mama and life a little brighter. Don't forget to share your summer beauty tips too!
Fashion Mama Signing Off,
Sara Rose
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