Archives for April 2015

April 28, 2015

DIY apple cinnamon lip balm

I loved lip balm when I was younger. I can remember every time my mom and I went to the store I always begged my mom to let me go and look at the lip balm. Although every tube my mom ever got me ended up getting lost or used up very quickly. Now here I am 24 years and still have a love for lip balm but can now do it at home. Below I found this recipe (courtesy of DIY Lip Balms) for an at home DIY Apple Cinnamon Lip Balm. All I can say is yummy!

Apples and cinnamon

Apples and cinnamon

Things you will need: 1 tablespoon beeswax, grated or pellets 2 tablespoons jojoba oil ½ tablespoon aloe vera oil 4 drops pure cinnamon essential oil 4 drops of apple essential oil 2 drops of vanilla essential oil

Step-by-Step Instructions: Place saucepan onto stove Turn on to low heat Add the grated beeswax or beeswax pellets to a saucepan Ensure that the wax melts evenly and does not stick to the sides of the pan. Add in the jojoba oil Add in aloe vera essential oil and continue to mix the ingredients as you stir. When the mix has reached an even and smooth consistency, turn the heat off. Add in the apple oil, Add in cinnamon oil Add in vanilla essential oil. Whisk together Transfer the contents into the tubes, pots or jars and cover securely. Allow to cool for four to six hours before you use.

Enjoy your new Apple Cinnamon Lip Balm 🙂

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April 28, 2015

Delight Mom this Mother’s Day with Exquisite Jewelry from Braganzia

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This Mother’s Day, let mom know how much she truly means to you with the unique and special gift of Braganzia Emma earrings. With 3 variations (EMMA Silver, EMMA Gold and EMMA Pearl), you can create a pair of earrings especially designed just for her!

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Add a Sweet Pearl pendant…

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Or a Coffea, the quartz fume pendant…

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Or for that extra glamour touch, choose the Clara pendant, a Rock Crystal with Swarovski details.

unnamed-14About Braganzia

Braganzia® jewelry is inspired by the charm and versatility of antique Portuguese and European jewelry, designed for the modern woman. With a wide selection of earrings and pendants, one can create a countless number of combinations. All Braganzia pieces are handmade in Portugal by expert artisans, ensuring the utmost care and quality in the production of each Braganzia piece.

About Marta Lowndes, the designer
Marta Lowndes is a plastic artist and an architect with a MBA from the University of Minnesota. She was President of TIMEX Portugal and is Partner of the Methodus Group. Originating from Brazil, Marta was inspired to create Braganzia because she was frustrated by the static nature of most fine jewelry designs. Despite her love for jewelry and having acquired many pieces over the years, she continued to struggle to find pieces that worked throughout her wardrobe. That’s why she came up with Braganzia.

EMMA Braganzia earrings retail: $80
Pendants retail: $80-$145

 
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April 27, 2015

HELLO AGAIN

Hello beautiful people,

My apologies for being MIA for a little while. My days have been filled with almost no free moments, but no complaints about that because it’s an exhilarating journey every day. If there is one person who has kept me from going absolutely crazy and who has helped me avoid any mental breakdowns, it is definitely my mom. I needed to write this blog about my mom because she is seriously the most amazing woman I know. She is by my side through everything and I am always shocked and humbled by all that she does for me. My mom constantly reminds me that every day is a part of my personal journey to where I’m going, but the journey is not one I am in alone. My mom is a part of the journey at every step as my mom, my friend, my momager (HA), my biggest fan, my partner in crime, my reality check, my laughs and cries and so much more. It’s such an incredible feeling to know that no matter what, my mom is there guiding me but allowing me to be myself, make my own choices and take charge of my own path. I would not be where I am today without my mom. She has taught me to challenge myself, love myself, let go of the negative energy people push toward me, build a genuine team, practice what I love and most of all; never give up on what I am passionate about. “You have to believe in yourself or no one else will” is what she has always told me and I couldn’t be more thankful for that or for her.

Take the time out of your day to appreciate someone around you that has inspired you, loved you, and or pushed you in some sort of way. These are the kinds of people we want to surround ourselves with and these are the kinds of people that help get us to where we want to be and beyond.

 

LOVE YOU MOM.

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April 27, 2015

Natural Girls – Get your curls in Motion

Motions DCM
Natural girls we all know the feeling of vacation hair, right? You know, while on vacation you don’t keep on your due diligence every day, so your hair gets dry and brittle (well at least mines does). Motion’s Deep Conditioning Masque is exactly what the doctor ordered. This Deep conditioning Masque is made with Shea Butter, Coconut and Avocado Oils. All the products I would use in one beautifully packaged container. It made my dry, brittle hair so moisturized, light and manageable all without my bathroom looking like a science project. Believe me, if it can make vacation hair rejuvenated, bouncy and easy to detangle while thoroughly clean; just image what your hair would look like using Deep Conditioning Masque once a week.

Motions Hydrating CurlsPudding
Motions Hydrate My Curls Hair Pudding is key to keeping those beautiful curls on point. Not only are your curls nourished it also reduces frizz and elongates those lustrous curls. You can use Hydrate My Curls Hair Pudding on wet or dry hair, which is a life saver when you are on the go.

Motions Hair gloss
Radiating Hair Gloss is the final touch to your hair care regiment. When you take down your twist out and getting ready to get your style on, pump some Radiating Hair Gloss into the palm of your hand and run it through your hair for the ultimate shine. This is the finishing touch your hair needs and you will just love the way it feels. It leaves your hair silky smooth and full of life, so bouncy and ready to face the elements.

Regardless if you are a natural girl or if you bring on the heat, Motions has the product for you. Check out the website http://www.motionshair.com/
so you can get your shine on with Motions Natural Hair Textures line, your curls will love it and so will you.

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April 27, 2015

Show Mom Your Love this Mother’s Day with goodies from Dana’s Bakery

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With Mother’s Day around the corner, you must be thinking of the best gift for the special woman in your life. What about a sweet and delicious American twist on a French macaron—a treat not many can resist!
Dana’s Bakery created the ultimate Mother’s Day gift inspired by any mom’s needs – an “Adult Juice” box with Mint Julep, Mojito and Cosmo-flavored macarons. Show her you care with these delicious cocktail-inspired treats for the most memorable Mother’s Day yet.

Price: $30

Where to buy: danasbakery.com, Mac bar at Gansevoort Market or by calling 800.477.1816

But that’s not all…

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Dana’s Bakery is partnering up with Cosabella for a Mother’s Day delight! Dana’s Bakery will be giving away a mini macaron tower and an assortment of product from Cosabella’s new Maternity collections: Never Say Never, Trenta and Talco. How to win? Enter your email on danasbakery.com and cross those fingers! But, that’s not it—all entries will receive 10% off any box of macarons purchased by May 6, 2015.

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April 26, 2015

ChristopherDrummond.com Spring Tide Sale now through May 15th

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April 25, 2015

Queen’s Cup Fashions


The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase is in its 20th year and has become one of the South’s “must-go” events. Of course, “What to wear?” is always one of the most crucial questions!  Today on WJZY-FOX46 Good Day Charlotte I got to show some of the latest men’s and women’s spring styles appropriate for this special event, showcasing fashions from Lindy Bop, The Pink Hanger, and Charlotte fashion designers D.J. Boyd (DeJaBo Ties) and LeMond Crayton-Hart (The House of LeMond). 

See the video here: 


 

The look for women at this event is somewhat casual—sundresses, skirts, and dressy slacks will all work. And don’t forget the flat-soled shoes …stilettos have no place here!

Kelly and Samantha sport Steeplechase Styles from The House of LeMond, DeJaBo Ties and The Pink Hanger

Kelly and Samantha Sport Steeplechase Styles from The House of LeMond, DeJaBo Ties and The Pink Hanger

Samantha looked beautiful in a gorgeous kelly green Amanda Uprichard dress from The Pink Hanger, a contemporary women’s boutique carrying trend-setting styles from top designers. Simple and sophisticated, the dress was paired with a two-toned floppy hat for sun protection and style, a cork clutch and matching gold accessories, making her look perfect for this event! You can soon find the entire outfit at The Pink Hanger’s online shopping website launching later this month or get it directly from the store at Charlotte’s Providence Plaza Shopping Center.

Samantha and model Kelly Melerine were definitely “styling and profiling” in coordinating steeplechase outfits! Kelly wore a traditional double-breasted pinstripe jacket that took a modern turn when combined with a navy and white checkered shirt, green seersucker pants, peacock print bow tie and white pocket square (both from DejaBo Ties), and peacock lapel pin and Cafe LeMond cuff links. Mixing a bit of the old and new, a vintage-feel Kenneth Cole Chukka boot and vintage Dobb boater hat completed his outfit, available at The House of LeMond in Charlotte’s Optimist Park.

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Susan Lee-Bird and Kathryn in Lindy Bop

The Queen’s Cup is an event for the whole family.  So I thought it would also be fun to show a great mother/daughter look!

Susan Lee-Bird and her daughter Kathryn looked adorable in these matching blue floral dresses from Lindy Bop, an online store specializing in vintage-inspired dresses, skirts and other items for women and girls.

Kathryn wore their Audrey style, featuring a bateau neckline, while Susan wore the Lana style, with a flattering scoop neckline. Both dresses have full swing skirts and you can add a petticoat to make these looks even more festive! To complete their ensembles, I grabbed a hot glue gun, some ribbon and flowers and restyled two vintage hats found in the back of my closet! (Note: Big style doesn’t always have to have a big price tag:)

While the usual Queen’s Cup look for men tends to include khakis, polo shirts and the occasional linen suit, Designer LeMond Crayton-Hart says the race is also great time to be a little more fashion forward. “The key to adding dimension to an outfit”, he says, “is mixing coordinating colors and alternating patterns”.

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Backstage with designer LeMond Crayton-Hart

The dapper designer worked the runway himself wearing a DKNY french cuff shirt, Ralph Lauren seersucker pants, Spring Camo Happy Socks, a custom bowtie and pocket square from DeJaBowties, and custom lapel feather and cuff links from his own collection. His look was stylishly finished with a classic fedora, vintage custom-tailored blazer and Carolina blue and white suede wingtips.

Lastly, I decided I had to get in on the action by paying tribute to Julia Roberts in a brown and white polka dot dress, also from Lindy Bop…after all, “Pretty Woman” is still one of my all-time-favorite rom-coms!

For more information on the Queen’s Cup, please visit www.queenscup.org.

Shopping links:

www.thepinkhangeronline.com

www.dejaboties.com

www.houseoflemond.com

www.lindybopusa.com

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April 25, 2015

Clean it up with CeraVe

For the past couple of weeks I have been horrible when it comes to my skincare routine. Being that I work from home I felt that it was not a big deal to worry to much about washing my face or doing moisturizer etc. Boy was I WRONG! My skin felt so rugged, looked very dull and acne was coming out of nowhere. At times I noticed that the less I did to my face the better it was but you can only do that for so long. One week ago I tried a product that transformed my skin and now I can’t get enough….CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser.

CeraVe

CeraVe

The Renewing SA Cleanser is new product that helps to eliminate acne, dissolve dirt and oil leaving your skin feeling soft. Not only that but it will give off a nice, youthful glow. At night when it is time to take off your makeup, if your anything like me, you dread doing it. Many cleansers I have tried do not dig down deep and get all the layers off. The foaming effect really helps to exfoliate and get every last morsel of makeup off. I recommend this product for all skin types and even if it is sensitive.

The hydrating cleanser bar, just like the cleanser for the face, helps your skin all over. If you want to now more about CeraVe and all the products check out www.cerave.com

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April 24, 2015

DIY dinner party with Julee Ireland

Julee on set

Julee on set

Watch the segment here: http://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/sonoran-living/summer-dinner-party-tips-diy-ideas

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April 24, 2015

DIY Dinner Party Tips on Sonoran Living

Today I presented some DIY tips on how to throw a Spring/Summer dinner party like a Pro without breaking the bank.

On Sonoran Living

On Sonoran Living

Watch the segment here: http://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/sonoran-living/summer-dinner-party-tips-diy-ideas

Every party starts with a theme, guest list and most importantly an invitation. Your invitation sets the tone for your party and gives your guests a glimpse of what lies ahead so have fun with designing the perfect party invitation. Papyrus now offers DIY printable invitations! You’ll love that there is a variety of designs to choose from for every occasion. They are simple and easy to design yourself online. Select your design. Select your font and font color. Type in the details of your party. Preview your design, select your quantity and place your order! They are affordable and the quality is amazing! Papyrus invitations are a fraction of what a custom designed invitation normally costs. Your papyrus DIY printable invitations are sent directly to your doorstep within 5-7 business days for most vendors. Check with Papyrus custom invitations department for exact lead times. http://www.papyrusonline.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Gourmet Dinner Party Kits are a must have! It’s not just the invitation, guest list and decor that makes a great dinner party; it’s also the food and entertainment. What could be better than combining food with entertainment through an interactive experience? I love these simple Award Winning DIY Dinner Party Kits that make cooking and entertaining a snap! You don’t have to be a master chef to create a masterful meal. Each Style & Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit comes complete with an easy to follow step-by-step guide that includes recipes, ingredients, decor, music and wine pairing suggestions. Spice up a healthy life! Each kit contains organic herbs, spices, whole grains, beans, dried fruits and nuts to complete each recipe. Supports buy fresh and local with a grocery list for ingredients that makes gathering your cooking supplies fast and easy. Learn the fundamentals of selecting the perfect wine to serve with your meal. Find your inner celebrity chef by learning celebrity inspired cooking techniques. Set a stylish table scene with votive candles, menu cards, napkins and more included in each kit! This makes a great gift as well as, a fun cooking experience to share with your family or friends. The Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8 is $49.95 and the DIY Romantic Dinner for Two Kit is only $29.95. Get yours today! http://www.StyleandEntertaining.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8

Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8

Now that the invitation has been sent and the menu has been decided we need to think about setting the perfect tablescape to compliment your dinner party. Like most working moms I don’t have a lot of extra time so I am always seeking out simple solutions for everyday living. Simply Baked makes baking and setting a beautiful table a breeze! Simply Baked tableware can go straight from the oven to your table. Yes, you can bake and serve directly in their beautifully decorative cups, bowls and more! Simply Baked is available in a variety of pretty patterns, designs, sizes and colors. They have something for everyone and every party scene! They have festive accessories such as straws, spoons, appetizer trays, plates and sticks, cake stands and more making it quick and easy to serve your guests with style! Simply Baked really allows you to have fun and get creative and it’s not just for baked goods. Use their decorative cups to create individual fresh veggie cups or to serve candy, nuts or fresh fruit. The ideas and possibilities are endless. They offer simple pre-made party packs in a variety of coordinating party themes such as the Glam kit or Fourth of July kit making planning your next dinner party simply a breeze! Prices range from $3.50 and up. http://simplybaked.us

You can create a custom chic look for any party or event with Di Potter translucent Wine and Champagne shades. There are over 32 different fabulous themes and patterns available in a variety of trending color combinations. Di Potter shades are made out of translucent paper and they’re easy to assemble, reusable and made in the U.S.A. for use with any traditional Wine or Champagne glass and a flameless candle. Di Potter also makes matching beautiful paper candle bands, placemats and charger plates to further enhance your table scape. They
are simple, affordable and unique making you the hostess who is sure to be the talk of the town! Price $22.99 for a set of 6 http://www.thepapertable.com

BONUS DIY TIP: DIY under $25-How to create an amazing last minute centerpiece using stemware, glasses, mugs, candle holders, glass bowls and vases right out of your kitchen cabinets!

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Step 1: Assemble a variety or glassware from the list above in varied shapes and sizes. You want to mix high and low pieces to give it dimension and make it interesting.

Step 2: Purchase seasonal flowers at your local market or cut flowers, fruits, veggies and succulents straight from your garden.

Step 3: Group 3 or more of varied pieces in varied heights together creating a triangle shape. Fill with water, add a drop of food coloring to create desired color (directions for the various color shades are on the back of your food coloring box) and add your desired fresh cut flowers, fruit, vegetables or combination thereof to taste. Turn Wine glasses upside down with a flower or table tent card with something written on it and place candle votive on top to create mood lighting. Repeat to desired taste throughout your room and on your table.

Step 4: Find your inner Design Diva! There is no right or wrong so don’t be afraid to do what looks best to you and have fun with it! Prepare to amaze your guests with your creative, charming and simple centerpieces!

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