Welcome Back

Our "growing" family Christmas 2010

Its been a little over three years since the last time I uploaded a mere thought onto this newly non-defunct blogsite. And I upload these, my first thoughts back on the blog scene, with great excitement!!! Much has changed since 2008. God finally answered my prayers and welcomed a new muse into my life, a baby girl Victoria! Needless to say, she's been living up to her name...she's definitely the queen of our little castle! She's made our home more complete and happy, and me especially resourceful and inspired. Inspired to impart some of the great things that I've learned over the past year with the addition of a new baby to our family. Its no secret, that adding a new baby means adding a small boatload of new expenses. And like everyone else, living in this current economic state, it hasn't always been easy to stay true to what I really like stylewise, while making responsible financial decisions for my family. But with a good plan and the right resources...I learned being fabulous and having a big family is not an impossible task for the average woman. You can still lead a cultured, stylish, life...enjoy good food & great experiences with and without your family, all without breaking the bank. Here you will find cheap and chic beauty secrets, recipes that streeeeetchhhhhh for your family, and style advice from myself and other stylists on inexpensive wardrobe pieces and the best places to thrift for your body, home and beyond...These are just a few gems I'd like to share here with you...Look for these and others in posts to follow

What's coming soon....

Up next.... In time for Christmas, an easy beautiful ornament that will add sophisticated shine to your Christmas tree-and costs just cents to make. Get the kids to help!!!!!

Next week's post-The best roasted chicken dinner with potatoes and carrots that feeds a family of 5 people and costs just $10.00 for EVERYTHING!!!!

Don't forget to check the archives, there's alot of interesting old fodder lol and don't forget to follow us...you don't want to miss what we have coming soon! LOVE

Lingerie for Comfort of All Things

The spectrum: Sexy lingerie from demure to in-your-face $29.50-$58 at www.victoriassecret.com

With a dip in the markets as low as an unlucky 777 ;(, chances are you and the love of your life might be trading those nights on the town for a little more at home romance. So, utilize those XM channels and IPODS, mix up a couple drinks and don't forget the most important element, a sexy outfit. In an earlier blog, Romancing the Stone, I wrote that not every woman feels comfortable in lingerie, but she should. Like choosing any otherpiece of clothing, staying true to your style, and being conscious of your body (playing up what you like, playing down what you don't), when choosing lingerie is important. Consider things like underwire for support, what underwear shapes look good on your bum, and what silhouette fits you best (flyaways, babydolls, slips?). If you're more conservative in your style of dress or maybe don't feel that comfortable displaying too much skin, teddys, slips, and bustiers are nice. Especially now, with a lot of vintage 50's and 60's inspiration permeating through fashion, demure lingerie is in very high demand. If you're more daring in your fashion approach or love putting your body on display try lacy merrywidows, styles that have cutouts, or a bra/panty combo. Remember confidence is sexy...if you're in an outfit you don't feel comfortable in, you won't look confident or sexy no matter how much skin is showing. Reflect your sex appeal in the lingerie you choose and you'll be effortless ;)...Its nice to explore outside your own box when you're comfortable in your style of lingerie. If you usually choose soft romantic shades like pastels, nudes and whites...get racy in darker tones like black or navy. Once you start feeling comfortable dressing up, if you don't already, you'll find out how much more fun it is to play dress up ;). Flip the coin on these harsh times and look at the bright side, an intimate at home evening with your man in an outfit that he'll love u in....and you'll probably love yourself in more;)...can be really nice...LOVE!!!

I wasn't kidding about the XM Channels ;)!!! If you have satellite radio or your cable provider provides XM or music channels like it...take advantage! Set the tone for the evening by escaping into one of the exotic music channels and a lot of candlelight. My favorites are channels 843 Suite 62, and 872 Caliente ;)...Good music and lingerie go hand in hand...at least I think so ;)....LOVE!!!!

What to do with $700 Billion

Who's gonna spend YOUR money the best way possible?

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock, you know that the Stock Market is crumbling, Wall Street is under Federal investigation, the economy is the worst its been in a REALLY long time, and experts are comparing our economy at present to that of The Great Depression Era. What is now at stake, and apparently up for grabs is $700 billion of taxpayers' hard earned money to mend the crisis. While Republicans and Democrats fight about who will spend it and just how, what do you know about where your, or your significant other's hard earned money will be going? Does it mean stability for you and/or your family or a multi-million dollar severance package for a Wall street exec? Its no secret of mine that I fully support presidential candidate Barack Obama and his plan to mend the national crises, and his run for presidency. No matter who YOU support, I think we can all agree that the American public deserves to be considered in this financial "clean-up", especially when our hard earned dollars are the medium being used to fix the economy. I want to invite you to visit a link about what Obama/Biden are considering in their quest to rebuild the faltering economy, (eg. no exorbitant buyouts for Wall Street execs, helping homeowners facing fraudulent foreclosures etc.) and support their campaign by adding your name to the petition that I think will help EVERYONE. What's happening now doesn't just affect the rich. As we have already seen, the everyday Joe has already been called to help through his/her taxes. Economics def has a trickle down affect, and times are projected to get worse; try to secure stability for you and yours by taking heed to this crisis and the subsequent "economic fix" that politicians are presenting. If everyone plays a part, there can be a change....LOVE



http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/econprinciples

Grocery Store Beauty

Honey...one of nature's best beauty secrets

On your next supermarket excursion pick up an extra box of sugar, a jar of honey, a box of oatmeal, a cucumber, an extra carton of eggs, and a lemon. Why? These six grocery buys double as beauty buys. When combined with each other or other things hiding in your cabinet and fridge they make some of the best masks, scrubs and conditioners etc...

• Sugar-This naturally abrasive exfoliant also contains glycolic acid. When combined with your facial wash and witch hazel it makes a great scrub. It can also be combined with your body wash as a body scrub to slough off the dull top layer of your skin.
• Honey-This tastey goo has millions of uses. Add it to bath water to soften your skin. "Pat" it all over your skin in the shower to improve your circulation and give yourself an instant glow. Use it after you towel dry your hair for a natural shine. Pinken your puckers by rubbing it on fiften mins. a day and then rinsing it off. Honey is also naturally moisturizing and anti-bacterial. It can be rubbed on small cuts or nicks and used to moisturize legs post shaving.
• Oatmeal-Another natural exfoliant, oatmeal is great for scrubs. When combined with honey and milk it makes a very moisturizing and soothing bath. When combined with banana and milk it makes a great facial mask.Oatmeal is also good at healing itchy dry skin. Make a paste, rub it on your problem areas, and rinse off.
• Cucumber- I once heard that every woman over 19 should have a cucumber in her fridge. Its very true! Cucumbers are fantastic at removing under eye-circles (its not a myth). Especially when combined with potatoe juice and placed on eyes for 15 mins. They are also great promoters of hair growth. When mixed with carrot juice, the juice of a cucumber does a great job of nourishing your hair and nails when you drink it. Cucumbers are also VERY hydrating and great for glowing skin.
• Eggs-The pore and skin tightener!!! When combined with honey and olive oil eggs make a great firming mask. Its also a great conditioner for your hair because its rich in protein. Mix the yolk with olive oil for shiny hair. Try an egg white and oatmeal mask to clear up breakouts!!! You can even apply a thin layer under your eyes UNDER your foundation for a temporary but quick eyelift!
• Lemon-Nature's detoxifier is also multifunctional. When combined with honey it lightens dark lips. When rubbed on freckles and age spots it lightens and fades them.When mixed with warm olive oil and applied to the scalp it combats dandruff.It also works as a great astringent full strength on your face.

So there you have it...six grocery beauty finds that really work. What you see here is just a small fraction of the versatiliy of these ingredients. They can be combined with so many things for hundreds of naturally beautiful uses!!! Natural beauty is by far the best beauty because its the healthiest for your skin and body. Makeup companies are now more than ever leaning toward natural cosmetics with the explosion of mineral make-up. Set the base for your skin and body with these picks...

...and check out this link http://www.care2.com/ for more combinations and other natural beauty ingredients...LOVE!!!

Recession Fashion: My Top 10 List

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Embellished glamour, boho chic, romantic feminity, and sexy menswear rule the autumn season. Don't sit out this September because the recession has your wardrobe allowance in a slump. Incorporate a few of fall's inexpensive but iconic pieces into your closet, and be inspired by the 10 cheapest chicest pieces I found... Here are my picks that'll keep you looking fresh and maybe even a little money in your pockets...

1. A "Girlie" piece-American Apparel Nylon Tricot Highwaisted Skirt in Toffee And what makes this one hot is that its multifunctional. You'll get alot of wear out of this soft flowy skirt. Wear it alone as a dress, as a skirt with a chiffon top for a romantic look or with a black cami for a sexy chic one.$42 ( but pays for itself over and over) Visit this link for different ways to wear.http://www.americanapparel.net/morephotos/viewer.asp?style=rnt353&n=Nylon%20Tricot%3Cbr%3EHigh-Waisted%20Skirt



2. A Shoe That Pops- Nine West's Dasolina Shoe in Purple Suede-A little on the pricey side but when it comes to shoes you just can't skimp. If you're gonna spend on anything, spend on these. This season is all about the pivotal shoe, and this one rocks. Its this season's must have color and fabric and boasts an ultra romantic design. A rich looking shoe for the price.$99



3. A Modestly Sexy Black Dress- Forever 21 Jeweled Chiffon Bubble Top-Demure necklines have resurfaced with a more subdued sex appeal taking over fashion. Jackie O era inspired cocktail shapes and curve hugging sheaths are the go to's when it comes to the little black dress. I love this one because it has an expensive looking design and is in chiffon, one of this season's hottest fabrics. It's labeled as a shirt but is long enough to skim the lower thighs...that's just enough sexy to balance it out. $29.80
   


4. The Drama Piece-Forever 21 Ruffle Wrap Shirt in Black- With opulence on deck this autumn you needn't forgoe at least one article thats gonna bring drama to any outfit. This wrap shirt adds pomp and circumtance to slouchy pants, pencil skirts and even wide-leg jeans. Use it to turn up the volume on ordinary outfits....wattage...that's this season's biggest accessory ;) $22.80



5. The Quintessential Black Skirt-Forever 21 Belted Knee Length Skirt in Black- Everyone needs one...for work or play. This one has a very flattering pleated design and adds a little more umf to that hourglass silhoutte that is celebrated this season. $17.80
   


6. A Suit-Old Navy Women's Cotton Twill One Button Blazer & Mid Rise Trouser-The suit returns and looks ultra sexy in muted tones. Black is always classic, but get creative this season by choosing a muted brown and wearing it different ways. Remember your suit doubles as two separtes, and with blazers returning as well, a suit gives you tons of options!!! $39.50 & $32.50
   


7. An Embellished Clutch-Eveningelegance.com Beaded evening bag in Advocado. Skip the department stores and the boutiques when looking for an inexpensive evening clutch this fall. I found this one at eveningelegance.com, and you can find ones like it all over the internet and at local accessory stores. Since evening bags pop this season in bauble and bejewled incrusted designs utilize bridal/formalwear shops and costume jewelry shops to find the most overembellished bags at good prices. $39.99 and cheaper lots of other places



8. A Wide Leg Jean- Mossimo Supply Wide Leg Denim Jean @ Target-The foundation of your boho chic outfits this fall, these jeans fit well and are very durable. I actually own these myself and I love them. The medium wash is great evening or day and they're really comfortable...what jeans should be!!! $24.99



9. A Chiffon Blouse-Forever 21 Floral Print Chiffon Top- This chiffon top is great because its a chiffon winter floral print, and is sleeveless. This is probably the most versatile piece of the bunch and can be worn with EVERYTHING else on this list. A great buy!!! $15.80
   


10. A Serious Bag-Angie & Lola Bucket Tote in Brown @ Target- Whether you're a jettsetter, a careerblazer, a mother, or just a devout fashionista, a big bag is necessary. This faux calfskin leather bag is very chic and looks more expensive than it is. Its big enough to hold anything and definitely hot enough to cop for fall. $39.99

And that's it!!! Those are my 10 recession Fashion picks. Remember never become a slave to trends...purchase a few trendy pieces that work well with your wardrobe and remain true to YOUR style. Keeping up with fashions doesn't mean completely changing your style with the weather it means building upon it with the season's new pieces. Always keep in mind that the price of clothes doesn't always necessarily make them look good, but feeling happy in them with some extra cash to spare sure does make them feel good. Its the woman that makes the clothes..the clothes never make the woman...exude confidence in these recession picks and you'll look like a million bucks!!!

Don't forget to check out one of my favorite meccas for inexpensive fall fashion, HM

http://www.hm.com/

They always have the nicest fall coats at a great price!!!!

Still haven't found anything reasonable? Keeping with fall looks can be as easy as painting on deep purple nailpolish or rocking a bejewled headband with one of your own outfits...

Look for my upcoming blogs about Getting the Most out of your Pre-Existing Wardrobe and Recession Fashion for Mother & Child!!!!LOVE

Recession Beauty: Stagnant Economy have you foregoing your Salon/Spa trips?

Here are my top 5 Recession picks I feel EVERY woman needs to help maintain that Salon/Spa quality feel & style at home.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Scrub in Orange Ginger
My favorite spa therapy hands down are the exfoliating sugar scrub treatments. This one is a really good at home one. It has an exotic citrusy spicy scent and is super moisturizing. Its really messy though so prepare to confine yourself to your shower and clean afterwards. For a true at home spa experience, apply the sugar scrub, then wrap yourself in Saran Wrap and put on a bath robe for 20 mins....lol...i know it sounds crazy but the results are worth it. Rinse and finish with your favorite moisturizer. $16

Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy Massage Oil in Lavendar Vanilla
Turn your partner into the world's greatest massuese. This bottle pays for itself over and over. You can get at least 10 good massages out of this bottle and the scent is really relaxing. Alone and just wanna detox? Light some candles and simmer a little of this on the stove for an ambient aroma.

$16

The Infiniti Hair Designer by Con-Air

A good blow dryer is a must if you can't make it to the Salon regularly. Invest in a good ion blowdryer which is not only healthy for your hair but it reduces frizz. Its wonderful if you're a curly head like me because the ions really help against humidity and keeps your hair straighter longer. It does flips, curls and is great for bangs... I love it & I think its pretty reasonable for an ion dryer and it comes with pic attachment.

$64.99-but you can find it as cheap as $44.99 some places

Sephora Brand Nail Polish

I call them the three amigos...they are Sephora's Signature nailpolishes in numbers 4 (red), 12 (black), and 34 (french pink). These classic colors go with anything, and when you can't make it to the salon for a manicure, slick 2 coats of one of these on for instant polish. Its durable and the sheen looks very rich, with flecks of shimmer in it. If you must treat yourself to a small beauty treat, kick out 4 more bucks for one of Sephora's vibrant hues. Nails are becoming an accessory again. Pump up a dull outfit with fierce fingertips... I love the cyan blue

$2-$4

Biore Self Heating masks

I love these!!! For about $7 you get 8 self heating masks that work in 60 seconds and really produce results as far as minimizing and detoxifying your pores. I definitely see a difference. In between visits for pro facials use these masks twice a week to keep your face glowing.

So there you have it...5 things that can really keep you on top of your beauty regimen even during these harsh times. Remember its definitely important to prioritize and economize in today's economy. Saving money while still looking and feeling great is always nice!!!...look for my upcoming blogs on Recession dates & dating, and recession fashion...LOVE