Baking Soda

This is a short and sweet post about a great use for baking soda. Did you ever leave a sippy cup in the car still filled with juice. When you finally find it, the cup smells so bad you don't know what to do with it. You attempt to clean it but the smell lingers. You may even try to give it to your kid with new juice in it and then your kid complains that it taste sour. If you are anything like me you end up tossing it and buying another one. This use to drive me crazy until I found out about using baking soda. I now soak all our sippy cups with a teaspoonful of baking soda, warm water and a dab of dish detergent. The longer you soak the better. I soak them overnight and then rinse them in the morning. The smell is completely gone. So Awesome!

Have a wonderful day and remember to always Smile!

Fashion for the Busy Mom

As like most moms, you probably spend most of your time on others and little to no time on yourself. You end up looking in your closet 10 minutes before an event and say things like "I have nothing to wear" or "I hate everything I own". You go to the event feeling sloppy and totally unfashionable. Which in turn can lead to low confidence and low self-esteem. You may notice other women (even mothers with young kids) look so put together and wonder how they do it. Their outfit is so cute, their makeup is flawless and their hair is perfect. This is my theory: the secret is these women planned their look. And when I say that, I don't necessary mean the day before. What I mean is, they have planned a useful wardrobe, makeup routine, and hair style that is easy, quick and repeatable. They can dress up or down their style because they have the basic outline. I use to hate my wardrobe. I finally had enough one day and I wanted to change. I read/watched everything I could find on style and fashion (I still do) I continue to learn and practice. Yes, I said practice. I know this sounds silly. But I play with my clothes, my makeup, my hair. I have go-to outfits that I can change around by simply adding a scarf or different jewelry. When you have the basic outline it makes it easier to find clothes you like and look good in. Here is the list:  

Winter Fashion:
1. Jeans: 
I currently prefer skinny jeans. (Love Targets-denim premium leggings!) They look great under boots and are super cute with flats. If you don't like skinny jeans than get a classic dark denim bootcut jean. They look great on everyone.

 2. Long Tank Top (Black and White)) for Layering: 
I love the layering look especially with an over-sized sweater. Having a long tank top under a sweater/cardigan/shirt allows you to wear leggings by making sure your butt is covered. It elongates your body too.

3. Basic Long Sleeve/Short Sleeve T-shirt (Black and White): 
This is one of my go-to pieces because it is classic and almost everyone has one. You can dress it up or wear it causal. I prefer a v-neck or scoop neck line. I think is more flattering especially if you have a bigger bust. Ways to dress it up: adding a colorful scarf; wear a blazer/vest/cardigan/leather coat; add a long necklace/s; a cute hat (like a cute beanie)

 4. Sweaters:
 I currently prefer the over-sized chunky sweater with a long tank top underneath and a pair of skinny jeans/leggings. I started my wardrobe with neutrals (cream, black, gray, beige) This is especially a good place to start if you are not use to bright colors or a new trend. I also love sweater dresses with black leggings/tights and a cute pair of boots. This is so comfortable but cute too. If you are a busy mom like me you can easy throw this on and go to a parent teacher conference, church, etc... and look totally put together in no time at all. If over-sized clothes are not the look for you, go with the classic crew neck sweater and also a black turtleneck (cashmere is beautiful- I'm still saving up for this one)and pair with bootcut jeans.

5. Boots:
I live in the northeast where is very cold in the winter. I started my wardrobe with a basic black boot. I loved wearing them so much I decided to get another pair in brown. I think it instantly dress up your outfit. For a busy mom I chose flat boots so I can run after my girls.

6. Scarves: 
This is where I like to go out of my comfort zone (Colors, Patterns, Florals) I don't have a big scarf collection yet but I am slowly adding to it. For more info on this I recommend checking out youtube's Wendyslookbook. She shows you 25 different scarf looks. So cool! Also, I found a really neat and cheap way to hang up my scarves. Only cost me $2. Maybe another post...

7. Jewelery: 
For so long I never wore jewelry. I didn't think I could pull it off. But now I wear it everyday. I think it just adds a nice hint of shine and thought to your outfit. Even if you are just going to the grocery store, I would still wear it. I started with a basic hoop earring. Silver or gold or both (rotate) if you have it. They are super cheap but add just a little something. I also love wearing a a big watch as a statement piece. They are all over now and range from inexpensive to mega expensive depending on you budget. I complete the look with a simple necklace for an everyday look. I wear a beautiful locket my parents got me as a birthday gift. If I am going out in the evenings, I love to wear a long necklace/s.

8. Makeup:
 For me makeup always makes me feel better. It evens out my complexion and gives me color. It opens up my eyes which I need being a mom with little sleep some days. I love the makeup purminerals (can do another post on that) it is so gentle on my sensitive skin. Love it and been using it for years. As I am getting back into my style, I really try to make a point to add a little something to my lips (especially in the winter, they can get so chapped) Chapped stick, hinted lip balm, lip gloss whatever you have really completes your makeup look. Basics for me are powder (purmineral is a 4in1 mineral powder foundation) blush, mascara, and lip gloss.

9. Hand Bag:
For moms I think the bigger tote bags are better. You can fit sippy cups, planner, snacks etc.. which is always helpful when you are in a rush and on the go. Classics colors like black and beige are always in style. You can find really affordable and pretty bags at Target, Burlington Coat Factory and Khols.

10. Coat: 
The pea coat is a classic coat. What I like about it is they can look causal and dressy. They are also warm which is important too. They come is so many different colors. Start with a neutral colors like black, brown, or charcoal. If you want a bit more flare try a beautiful red or plum color.

And of course a Smile and Good Posture make any outfit and style look better and brings you lots of confidence! This outline has been such a great help to me as a busy mom at home. It is easy, quick, comfortable, affordable, and super cute. I actually enjoy getting dressed in the morning. I like my clothes too!

Hope this helps! Have a great day and always remeber to smile!

 ps. Other things I really like: Black Leggings, ankle boots, black denim leggings, classic hair style (can do a separate post on this) Stay tuned...