Emma turns 7

My little mini-me, the baby of the family, turned 7 this week.  REALLY, where has time gone?  

This year Emma chose to have her party at the roller rink.  With such busy sports schedules, this worked out perfect since I didn't have to worry about party preparations or house cleaning.  The roller rink took care of all the paper products, drinks and pizza.  All we had to worry about were the goody bags and the birthday cake.  

Most of our birthday parties are held at home, and the kids play in the yard or ride bikes behind the house.  Since the spring weather has been so chilly I am glad we chose to have an indoor party somewhere else.  

Although Emma has been ice skating a few times, roller skating proved to be a challenge for her.  She switched out to roller blades and quickly figured it out.  

Aren't the walkers the cutest?  LOL They certainly didn't have these when I was growing up.  The girls skated for a couple hours and requested all their favorite songs to be played.  They were able to hang out at the tables and have pizza.

 Emma had such a wonderful time with all of her close friends!

Calling all Momma's: Hop Into Spring with Mam

I am not sure about you, but the winter weather here just can't seem to go away!  The spring flowers have slowly started to sprout and I have started to notice babies on the farms, but it sure is cold!  It's hard to believe Easter is right around the corner!  

While your out shopping and preparing for the holiday, why not grab MAM’s Oral Care Rabbit and MAM Start Pacifiers? These will make perfect additions to baby’s first Easter basket.

MAM Pacifiers

MAM’s cutting-edge pacifiers combine technological innovation and trendsetting design to help give babies a healthy start in life.  Developed by leading pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists, MAM pacifiers provide maximum comfort and style for babies of all ages.

Clever design and lightweight materials make MAM pacifiers a pleasure to use.  All MAM pacifiers feature an orthodontically correct nipple design that allows little ones to safely satisfy their sucking reflex while maintaining proper jaw and tooth alignment.  MAM pacifiers feature an easy-to-grasp front knob and a curved shield for a comfortable fit that’s gentle on baby’s skin, thanks to generous air holes and MAM’s patented interior surface.  

MAM pacifiers are available in an assortment of colors and design motifs, and come in two nipple options: patented anti-slip Silk Teat™ Silicone or Natural Latex.  Like all MAM products, the brand’s pacifiers are BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-Compliant.   

Suggested retail price: MAM Pacifiers, $7.49 for a pack of two

MAM Oral Care Rabbit (0+ months)

Developed in conjunction with health practitioners and developmental psychologists, MAM’s innovative oral care collection helps maintain baby’s oral health from birth and beyond.  Like all MAM products, the oral care collection is BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-compliant.   

Designed to maintain baby’s oral hygiene before teeth arrive, the MAM Oral Care Rabbit gently removes plaque and bacteria from baby’s mouth.  Mom’s fingers tuck into the rabbit’s super soft “ears” like a glove, allowing her to gently massage and clean baby’s gums.  Regular use of the MAM Oral Care Rabbit also helps prepare baby for a regular tooth brushing routine at an early age.   

Suggested retail price: $5.99.

March Beauty Must-Haves ~ Go Green this St. Patrick's Day

Are you looking to achieve fluttery, look-at-me lashes?  Look no more!  Physician's Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara is the perfect mascara, made with 100% natural origin ingredients, featuring volumizing technology that will dramatically maximize and intensify lash volume.  This mascara has become a recent fave of mine, and can be found at most drug-stores nationwide.  At only $9.95, you can't go wrong!

Add a pop of color to lids with VMV Hypoallergenics Two True Hues in Shaken & Stirred.  Infused with virgin coconut oil, these gorgeous green shades provide superior hydration to lids with serious staying power. ($40 at vmvhypoallergenics.com)

If your looking for a more affordable eye shadow with true staying power, Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald is an excellent choice. This long-lasting, creaseless cream-gel shadow will survive all of your St. Patrick’s Day festivities in style.  

I tend to have oily lids, and powder shadows don't seem to stay as long as cream shadows. Within a couple hours they fade away, so I opt for the cream shadow as my go-to shadow of choice.  Simply smooth onto lids for an instant dramatic eye that everyone will notice.  Use your finger to apply, no need for a makeup brush.  ($7.99 at Target and Ulta)

While your at it, why not get lucky with your own pot of gold? Sparkle and shine with Mehron’s Metallic Powder in Gold.  Versatile enough to be used anywhere on the face or body, this luminous powder will add a jewel-like sheen to the skin. ($9.95 at Mehron.com, also available on Amazon)

Currently Crushing: Strawberry Delight Cake

While reading the latest Woman's Day Magazine, I came across a yummy recipe for a cake topped with blueberries and a frosting made of sour cream and cream cheese.  Although I totally love sour cream and cream cheese, not everyone in our house is a fan.

It also happened to be a special little someone's 6th birthday, and she had requested a strawberry cake.  I decided to change up the recipe, first opting for a box cake to save on time.  I baked the cake in 8" round cake pans.  After cooling, the cake was set in the refrigerator overnight.  This allowed for us to easily cut each cake through the middle, creating the layers.

Just before the party, the cake was layered with cool whip and strawberries.  This is a fun and festive spring cake that everyone is sure to enjoy.  Other thoughts would be to poke the cake and pour jello over it before refrigerating.  Although I chose to skip frosting the sides, cool whip and strawberries could have also been added.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night."  Irish Blessing

Essie: Alice & Olivia Fall/Winter '14 Style

Today's look is all about dressing up the nails, and fortunately with sites like Pinterest we can learn how to create many of the styles without leaving the house.

There was a strong focus on the nails during New York Fashion Week, and I am happy to be able to share the many looks by essie.  

Stacey Bendet’s fairytale inspired Alice + Olivia collection was filled with textured metallic fabrics, exotic fur pieces and oversized knits. To complement the bohemian glamour vibe, Miss Pop Nails for essie created two dark, gold accented nail looks. 

essie nail products used:
first base base coat 
good as gold licorice 
good to go top coat


How to get the look:

1. Apply first base base coat to clean, filed nails
   
2. Next, apply two layers licorice
   
3. To apply the gold dots, dip a nail dotting tool in good as gold and carefully apply a
   medium-sized dot at the center tip of the nail and two smaller dots on each side
   
4. At the base of the nail, dip the dotting tool in good as gold and apply a medium-sized
   dot at the center edge of the nail and five smaller dots surrounding it
   
5. Finish with good to go top coat
   

Tip: If you don’t have a nail dotting tool, use the end of a bobby pin!

cpr & first aid - we meet once again.

a couple of months ago i decided i wanted my daughter to become a Girl Scout. unfortunately there wasn't any room in the current daisy troops, so in order for her to become a Girl Scout, we needed a troop leader.  of course, me being the person that i am decided no big deal, i will be the leader.  i am crafty, i enjoy children, and love taking trips and exploring new things. easy peasy.... until i heard the words "first aid and cpr".  

well, one of the rules of girl scouting is that there must always be a first aider on hand during the meetings and events.  naturally, i asked if any of the parents were certified, and to my dismay, they were not.  yes, i learned first aid and cpr in school, but that was many years ago and it certainly wasn't one of my stronger area's.  let's just say i don't know how i passed the test.   today whenever there is an injury at home i call for my husband because i just don't handle thoe types of things very well.  

since the hubs works for the fire department, he was able to get me registered for a class.  

today is the day, and today is a new day.

i am as excited as i am nervous. i will attack it head on. i will go in there, learn as much as i possibly can, and pray that i don't ever have to use the information and skills i have learrned. as they say, information is knowledge, and knowledge is power.

i can totally rock this!

Conquer 2014 in Style

Conquer 2014 in Style by stacyallen

Each year, millions of people set a goal to get fit or workout more for their New Year's resolutions.  We start out pumped and motivated, but sometimes we lose that motivation.  One of the ways we find it easier to stay focused is by setting ourselves up with all the right gear, because let's face it, who doesn't like wearing a cool new outfit to workout in?

The first, most important piece of your outfit are shoes.  Proper shoes that fit and feel great on your feet are a must for any time of an exercise plan.  The sneaker of the season is the Nike Flex Run shown above in blue with the pink swoosh.  Whether we are hitting the trails, running on the track, or walking on the treadmill these shoes are sure to provide the proper comfort and support needed.  The Nike Flex Run are available at www.FamousFootwear.com, and retail for $79.99.  This style is on sale, so if you hurry, you can get them for $74.99! If you aren't close to a Famous Footwear, you can purchase them through their website.

Don't forget the other must-haves: an iPod or MP3 player with some uplifting and inspiring beats, and a watch that allows you to track your workout time and heart rate.

Please... No Marshmallows!

Today's #My_365 challenge word is please.  Naturally, I thought I would give Little Missy some ice cream since they ALWAYS ask for more at the end. After making the suggestion, she said she would really rather have hot cocoa, but PLEASE no marshmallows!

So, after our trip to the doctor's, she got her hot cocoa!

Snowflakes!

The Path...

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

Henry David Thoreau 

Turn that smile upside down!

It's a beautiful day!

2014 Resolutions

Like everyone else, I have really began thinking about my New Year's resolutions for 2014.  Of course getting fit and eating healthy are among the list, but I have been really focusing more on those activities and goals that I have worked on over this past year but did not achieve.

1.  Photo-A-Day:  I have been posting pictures sporadically on Instagram, following along the Clickin Moms #cmglimpse photo-a-day challenge.  This is a fun challenge because there is such a variety  of skill level photographers that participate.  The images are very inspirational and motivating.  This year's goal will be to complete one full month MINIMUM.  Once I can master one month, the bar will be raised to 365 days.

2.  Book Club:  Many years ago I participated in a book club, and really enjoyed the discussions we had around the books.  Mom and I decided we would read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls as our first book.  Amazon seems to have the best price, at only $9.12 for the Kindle.

My oldest son is also interested in this book, so we will have a "mini" book club for January.

Starting in February, we will be joining A Bowl Full of Lemons in her monthly book club.  More information can be found here:
http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/12/book-club-selection-january-2014.html

3.  Cross Stitch:  A close friend and I have decided to complete the 2014 Once Upon A Time Sampler from The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery. After seeing so many great pictures on Instagram of other's completing the 2013 Autumn Sampler, this just had to be added to the "To-Do List".

The 2014 Once Upon a time Sampler only cost $19.95 for a full year of patterns.  All the fun begins on January 10th, but of course you can start later if you so choose.  Each month you will receive the next pattern to work on.

I would love to hear your goals for the new year!  Be sure to leave a comment letting me know what you will be working on, and if you plan to participate in any of these challenges!  I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Meet Namaste! The Perfect "Go-To" Handbags and Accessories

Meet Namaste.

WE BELIEVE...

• We believe in being more friendly to your wallet
• We believe that style and function can be best friends
• We believe that everyone deserves coordinated organization
• We believe that Zen can exist in your handbag
• We believe that life's too short to sweat the small stuff
• We believe in being kind to the earth and it's creatures
• We believe in gratitude
• We believe in karma
• We believe in fun

- namaste

A couple years ago I shared with you one of my most favorite handbags, Namaste.  Today I am happy to share them with you again!  Namaste bags are well known in the fiber community because they are great travel bags for your knitting and crochet projects.  Of course that is what I use my Namaste bag for. . . since I don't ever leave home without a project to work on.  Namaste bags are also fabulous for almost anything you might need to haul around.  These bags are very stylish, and would make a perfect fit for the Momma-On-The-Go!

Namaste bags come in six different styles, and all come in a variety of colors such as Canary Yellow, Caribbean Blue, Eggplant, and Red (shown above).  The styles include a messenger bag, back pack, and a variety of totes and are made of durable and animal friendly materials.  Bags are priced from $79 - $97.50.

Our fave style this season is the Harlow, shown here.  The interior lining is a soft micro-suede.

There are lots of storage pockets on the inside and out which are great for helping keep track of your needles, scissors, and anything else you might need to take.

The collection also includes a variety of different wallets, needle and accessory cases to coordinate with the handbags.  

Namaste bags and accessories are available online and at participating retailers. Click here to find a location near you:  http://www.namasteinc.com/retaillocations/index.php

Winter Moisturizer Best!

There are two products that I cannot live without. I swear by them, use them each and every day and am TOTALLY addicted.  These are great products that can benefit the whole family this winter season.

1. Chapstick.  Birchbox included the new ChapStick 8 hour hydration lock moisturizer in the October mailing.  I honestly wasn't a big chapstick user in the past. I always preferred Vaseline (and applied it constantly) but I must admit having a lip product that lasts up to 8 hours is a huge plus!  And at $2.99, what's not to love?? Apply this before applying your lipstick or lipgloss to add extra moisture and protection to your lips during these cold and dry months.

2. Cerave Moisturizing Cream. I was first introduced to Cerave by my dermatologist. He recommended that I use the lotion, but that was during the summer time.  Now that the weather is changing, I have switched to the cream.  I not only use the cream on my face, but on my whole body.  The unique, patented MVE Delivery technology releases moisture throughout the day. The cream is fragrance-free, non-irritating, and noncomedogenic. Unlike some creams that cause your skin to have a white veil, CeraVe goes on smooth and invisible.  CeraVe products are available online, CVS drug stores, Target, and Costco.  If you happen to shop at Costco, their prices are most reasonable and you can get a container for under $15.

Holiday Dress: Shoe Style for the Littles

With just a couple weeks till Thanksgiving, it's not too early to begin thinking about your little's holiday style!  In fact, it's the best time to start pulling those outfits together since the stores and online shops are fully stocked with lots of options to choose from and the sizes you might need. 

Don't forget to complete the holiday outfits with the right shoes.  Famous Footwear has some great styles for boys and girls this year and their prices can't be beat!  Whether you are attending holiday parties, church, or have photo shoots planned, Famous Footwear has you covered.

Here are a couple of our fave styles for girls:

Unlisted - Kids New View $24.99

Buster Brown - Kids Layla $34.99

 

And a few fave boys styles: 

Buster Brown - Logan Wide $29.99

 Buster Brown - Kids Bryce II $24.99

 

 Buster Brown - Kids Jason $19.99

 

 Head over to Famous Footwear's website to find more great styles for the family, locate a store, and sign up for their email and you can receive $5 off your next purchase! 

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a SAFE and Happy Halloween! I look forward to seeing everyone's pictures on Instagram!  Be sure to follow me at @onestylishmomma.

Naya Shoes: Apollonia Boot Review

"Naya brings together a relaxed and sophisticated style with comfort in shoes that leave a softer footprint on the environment."

I am thrilled to share Naya Shoes with you today! Naya Shoes is a women's shoe brand that cares about the environment.  They use eco-friendly materials whenever possible.  

The Naya fall shoe collection includes Refined Flats, Go West, Statement Studs and Tough Luxe.  The styles range from slip on and lace up flats to a variety of height boots in so many different styles that it would be hard not to find something to fall in love with.  Check out the website Naya Shoes and take a look at their full fall line.

The Naya Apollonia boots (shown above) are one of my absolute favorites! These boots look great when paired up with a pair of skinny jeans, a nice top and scarf; leggings and a chunky sweater or even a knee length skirt.  The wardrobe options are endless.  Just be sure not to cover up the beautiful lace up backing!

The Apollonia boots are made with well oiled suede and tumbled leather.  They are SUPER STYLISH and COMFORTABLE to wear, making them a great option for anyone on their feet.  An eco-friendly boot that is stylish and comfortable? What more could a girl ask for! 

The Apollonia boot featured retails for $239.99 and are available in Brown/Wine leather (as shown above), Green/Brown leather, Black leather, and a two tone Taupe leather.

Naya Shoes can be purchased online at Naturalizer, Zappos, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Amazon.

Clickin Mom's Walk 2013: Baltimore, MD

This past weekend Mom and I ventured out on our first photography walk.  We found out about the Clickin Mom's Walk 2013 on Instagram, and were very excited that there were two walks taking place near us.  We decided to join the Fell's Point, Baltimore, MD walk since it was earlier in the day and not a bad drive to get there.

Although I grew up just 30 minutes outside of the Baltimore area, this was my first time going to Fell's Point.  I always related Fell's Point as the place to go if you wanted to hit the bars or night clubs, and well since that really isn't my scene I guess I never had any desire to go there. Little did I know that this section of Baltimore really does have a lot to offer.

The walk began at the Daily Grind.  We arrived early and were able to sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee before the walk.  

Maryland is known for the blue crab, and it is one of my favorites! Too bad we didn't have time to stop and enjoy a fresh crab cake.

As we were beginning our walk, the Pirate Ship was heading out on a tour. I would put this at the top of the family "must do" list next time we are in the area.

I can't say that I have ever seen potted flowers in a beer keg, but thought it added a nice touch!

This image was shot looking into a store. I had aimed to capture the light post behind me, but was actually quite pleased with the coloring too.

Bright and colorful chairs above the ice cream shop.

Saturday morning's there is a Farmer's Market in the center of Fell's Point.  There are many vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade soaps, and cupcakes. 

Fell's Point,was a wonderful place to photograph.  I highly recommend anyone in the area, that maybe hasn't ever visited to add it to your list of places to see. There are many shops and sights to see, I am sure you won't be disappointed!