Monday’s Must-Haves: Everything’s Prettier in Pink

May 13, 2013 by

Must Haves 3

I try to keep a folder on my desktop of inspiring images, things I want or intend to buy, and my “secret weapons” in life–all in hopes of not needing to think too hard when it comes time for Monday’s Must-Haves. Truthfully, I’m not very good about remembering to use the folder though, so I was surprised to find this weekend that not only did I have a few items in it, but that I am clearly into pink right now! Here are just a few of my favorite things:

1. A painting by Torpedo Factory artist, Marietje Chamberlain, called Spring Azaleas.

2. An incredible rose cut pink sapphire ring from Mystique Jeweler.

3. And while not pink, Tan Towels are definitely not orange! They are the best self-tanning product I’ve found.

4. The Bambu Fabric Collection from Calico Corners.

See? I told you. Everything is prettier in pink.

 

Filed Under: A Stylish Home, Alexandria, Featured, Fitness + Beauty, Home + Garden, Tips

Beauty: Mom on-the-go

April 9, 2013 by

I recently asked owner of cosmetics boutique Bellacara, Angela Sitilides, what she recommends for days when I am literally running out the door after my little ones. Is there really a beauty routine I can implement that won’t be time-consuming? Angela is a mom herself and understands what we need:

We get “on-the-go-mom” questions all the time. It generally involves a woman walking in and saying, “I literally have 5 minutes. Can you get me looking pulled together in that amount of time?” The answer is yes. If you thoroughly wash your face at night then you don’t have to wash again in the morning unless you have an oily skin type. A simple swipe of toner and you can refresh the skin and wipe away any overnight residue. Follow with a serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Jouer-luminizing-moisture-tint1

For make-up we recommend a bb cream or tinted moisturizer. They are more sheer and don’t require the perfect application and blending that a foundation does.  We love Jouer luminizing foundation with SPF 20 ($38). A cream eyeshadow can be applied with the finger in seconds (try Smashbox Limitless Cream Shadow ($19). Mascara that doesn’t smudge from pre-school drop off until baseball practice pick-up is essential. A tubing mascara is great because it coats the lash and then binds to itself rather than the lash, literally forming a tube around the lash with no smudging or flaking. Among the most popular in this category are Blinc Mascara ($26) or Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara ($25). A cream blush can be applied with the fingers and can also be tapped onto the lips and rubbed in for a base stain. Try a natural color so blending won’t be an issue. Try Stila Convertible Color which is a blush and lip stain ($25) in Lillium. Keep a tube of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50) in your handbag. It has an SPF15 and a bunch of nourishing oils to hydrate the lip. Because it is a balm, it can be applied without a mirror or for a busy mom…using the rearview mirror which is likely the only one she she looks into all day.

Kevyn-Aucoin

For a quick hair fix, a dry shampoo can do wonders. We love Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo ($18).

I have used all of these products now, and truthfully, I still forgo most of the makeup portion on busy days. The cleansing routine has helped immensely though, and ironically my two favorite of these products are from the makeup recommendations: the Jouer tinted moisturizer and Kevyn Aucoin mascara. I swear by both now. Try them out and let me know what you think!

Filed Under: Alexandria, Boutiques, Fitness + Beauty, Shop

Monday’s Must-Haves

March 25, 2013 by

MMH

If you haven’t been able to tell from my tweets, the weather is really getting to me lately. I am very ready for warmer temperatures! The only way I know to combat the cold weather blues is to just start running. Here are my running essentials.

1. A cap. I really dislike when my hair gets in the way of a good run–whether it falls in my face, gets wet from the rain, etc. This cap from REI is made for runners and definitely does the job.

2. A fun water bottle. If you have to stay hydrated, no sense in being serious about it!

3. A stylish yet functional hoodie or jacket. From Lululemon, where else?

4. And finally my reliable and beloved Mizuno Wave Riders from Pacers. I swear by them.

Filed Under: Fitness + Beauty, Shop

Back In Business: T Spine Stretch

March 1, 2013 by

Thanks to Fitness on the Run for helping me out with this post!

***

These days more than ever we seem to be driving hunched over a steering wheel, sitting hunched over computers, standing over a stove or hunched over our mobile devices. Does this sound like you?

So, we chose to highlight this basic move – a stretch – that can be done just about anywhere. We like to do this each morning when we awake and each night before we sleep. It’s simple – and will help get your back in business!

Area worked: Thoracic Spine

Time: 6 minutes

Equipment needed: None. Just you.

Step One: To start, lay on your back comfortably with legs parallel and relaxed. Outstretch your arms to your side, perpendicular to your body; palms facing up.

FOR1

Step Two: Next, bring your right knee to create a 90 degree angle with your leg. Your lower leg should be parallel to the floor and your knee should be aligned with your right hip.

Step Three: Slowly roll to your left as your bring your right knee to touch the floor, maintaining a consistent angle with your leg. Your knee and your lower leg, ankle and foot should be resting on the floor. Turn your head to face your right hand and look to your right for more of a stretch. Note: If you can’t do any part(s) of this right away, just try to relax, breathe in and out deeply, and ease into it.

FOR2

NOTE: If you are just starting out or this region of your back is especially tight, this may be enough of a stretch for you. In that case, proceed to Step Four (Basic). For a slightly more challenging stretch, move to Step Four (Advanced).

Step Four (Basic): Hold this stretch while breathing in and out deeply with full, long breaths to fill your ribcage and expand your diaphragm. Take three to five deep breaths and then repeat this move on the other side, remembering while stretching to turn your head to face the direction opposite that which your knee is facing. For the complete stretch circuit, alternate sides for three repetitions. (See above.)

FOR3

Step Four (Advanced): Once your right knee is touching the ground, hold it there and bend your left knee all the way until your left foot up is up behind your buttocks. Grab your left foot with your right hand to stabilize your foot on the floor and relax into the stretch. Hold this stretch while breathing in and out deeply with full, long breaths to fill your ribcage and expand your diaphragm. Take three to five deep breaths and then repeat this move on the other side, remembering to look in the opposite direction of the way your overlapping leg is pointed. For the complete stretch circuit, alternate sides for three repetitions.

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