Pulling Together A Modest Everyday Wardrobe

As a busy mom it only makes sense to set yourself up a basic wardrobe from which you can dress daily and not think to much about it.

Skipping over all of the details of cut, color, and fabric, for everyone is different. Let’s cut right to the chase of pulling together a simple basic wardrobe.

The clothes you pull together for weekday wear should take into account your daily activities.
Moms of small ones should be wearing wash and wear clothing. Things can take a spills and upsets.
Workplace moms may need dressier work clothes and shoes. Moms that need to attend a variety of events will need clothes that can go from home to meetings or what have you.

You can be extremely stylish without being trendy or immodest. Classically styled clothing, well made, in the correct size and a flattering color can help to make you look your best without trying.

Try clothing on before you buy and sticking with a brand you know has worked well for you in the past.

Sometimes you have to ignore clothing sizes. One designer’s size 8 may be another size 6.

A different fabric or an added embellishment can give your outfit a whole new look. If you have a great idea but never see it in the store and are good with a needle trying making the change yourself.

I once had a black vest with very tasteful fringe along the bottom. The vest was linen and fitted at the waist. Why I gave it up I will never know (donated) but it was an incredibly styled piece. The fringe added playfulness to what was a simple classic lined vest.

If like me, as mommy to the very young you find yourself bending over a lot and having your neckline droop open consider double sided clothing tape. It sticks to your top and to you ending those embarrassing peeks.

And in case you think you have to spend a ton for this, not true. Peruse your local second hand store.  You can find well made, designer clothing sometimes never worn for a teeny tiny fraction of the original cost.

To help you get started I’ve listed a small basic everyday wardrobe list. By all means most of us have a ton more than this in our closet but I have known some incredibly well dressed women who had not much more. They knew how to buy well made clothing and care for it.  A new look every day came from having spent time pulling together the right pieces.

The Basic Everyday Wardrobe Set

• 2 to 3 pairs of slacks, skirts and/or jumpers that you wear throughout the weekdays
• 3 to 5 tops that you wear with the slacks, skirts and/or jumpers
• 2 sweaters to wear on cooler days
• 2 Dresses
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of every day shoes
• 1 pair of tennis or walking shoes

Mother’s Day Hair Care Giveaway

Alert! Alert!

NW Scents is having a Mother’s Day giveaway.  Enter to win a hefty $35 gift certificate to use at the online store.

First visit the NW Scents store and check out all the great products for curly, moisture starved hair of all ethnicities.

Then visit the NW Scents blog and leave a comment saying which lovely product you would love to get your hands on.

The giveaway ends Friday May 8th so get on it!

Warm Weather Means Changes for Your Skin

Now that it’s Spring you want to think about revamping your skin care routine to accomodate the warmer weather.

Cleansing: Use a milder face cleanser for washing your face. And when washing your face be sure and splash it several times (I’m talking like up to 20) to fully remove facial cleanser. Your facial cleanser will depend on  your skin type.

Toning: If you have oily skin use an astringent following your face wash which will help reduce the oil.  Your toners and astringents will help return the pH level in your skin so apply them right after you wash your face.

Moisturizing: In warm weather it’s time to switch to a lighter moisturizer. Even with my dry skin I find I have to use lighter moisturizers when the sunshine starts to hit. A natural oil free moisturizer is a mix of glycerin and rose water. Not only is it lovely scented it is light and easy on the skin.

When trying new products watch your skin carefully and move on if your new product is irritating your skin. Although there are many new products on the market in some cases less is better. Fine tune your skin care routine.

Hand Exfoliation – Smooth Out the Dry Skin

As a parent my hands have become rough and scaly from the constant washing. Especially when they are babies you find yourself washing your hands almost every 20 minutes as you care for your cute darling.

My hands have taken the abuse and now it’s time to clear them up.

I’ve tried night time treatments with wearing cotton gloves and using a thick moisturizer but due to a few years of neglect I needed something to wear down the rough skin FIRST before I could smooth it back out.

I think I can attribute it to all of the great anti-bacterial soaps on the market. It’s mostly what I use and I probably need to rethink this considering the number it’s doing on my hands.

Then enter Pretty Feet & Hands Rough Skin Remover

A light lotion consistency exfoliant Pretty Feet & Hands Rough Skin Remover is made for situations such as this.

Follow the directions and notice remarkable improvement in a few days.

1. Shake well
2. Apply to DRY hands (or feet)
3. Smooth in well until the dry skin starts to ball up (I know gross)
4. Rinse off and moisturize with a good cream.

It does work. I’ve been using and I can breath a sigh of relief.

Pretty Feet & Hands Rough Skin Remover

A Facial Beauty Routine

If you’ve never had a facial you face could be due for one. A simple beauty routine that helps you to renew, and refresh your skin consider making it a monthly appointment to give your facial skin a beauty treat. And don’t think you have to fork over big bucks to have a professional see to it. You know your skin best. View this simple video showing you have to have a spa facial experience at home.

Eau de Deodorant. Finding What Works, Natural Alternatives

This is a not so serious post about a delicate subject in a delicate area. Underarm deodorant. Finding what works.

Mom is just too busy to have odor. Since I am a woman who enjoys her scents (of the perfume variety that is) I really dislike it when underarm deodorant goes bad or in other words fails.

I’ve had that happen a few times. Where the deodorant goes bad. The most recent failure was Suave. I’ve actually never had Suave work so why I bought it again I don’t know. To have a deodorant fail is one of the ultimate’s in total frustration (and depending on where you go embarrassment).

So it’s back to what works. I have a problem with cosmetics….I like them so I’m always trying new things. But in this case I need to be brand loyal.

In the case of deodorants see if you can get a sample or try before you buy. All it takes is one day to find out if that stuff will work for you. Find it at a deep discount at one of those discount stores.

Here is my rundown of what works for me…

On my sister’s recommendation I have purchased and liked Dove. This is not the first time I’ve used it though. It has always works I just started looking at the greener lawn (you know on the other side).

On special ocassions I wear Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist. This was recommended to me at a perfume fair (it’s all about the scents) and truly is very good and smells nice too. But at $18 a pop I can’t justify it for every day.

I also like Yves Rocher deodorants. I was using their creme deodorants but then they discontinued them!!!! I do not like it when people make a good product go away. They came back with a solid which works also but I just ran out and had the Suave in the linen closet so I went for that.

But since this is not supposed to be about my ranting and raving and instead about beauty tips for mom for those of you that may be allergic to said deodorants there are a few natural remedies to keep the eau at bay. My disclaimer. I have never nor will I ever (never say ever) tried these.  Use at your own risk.

• Peeled potatoes. Wipe under arm.
• Mixture of Corn Starch and Baking soda (pat under arms like a powder
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• One of those natural crystals found in most grocery stores

Add a Quick Morning Beauty Routine

Put together a quick morning makeup beauty routine for every day. That way when you think you are just going to be home but then discover you have to make a quick trip or somebody drops by unanncouned you are not caught unawares.

This doesn’t and shouldn’t be too in depth or all encompassing.

You already have a face care routine going (hopefully) so just add a few touch ups to it.

I’m not a big makeup wearer (at all) so this following list seems like doing up a whole face to me. But the key is it’s quick.

• Some mascara or eyeliner
• Some lipgloss or lipstick
• Some women might like to add powder

That’s it. So basic and simple it will take a minute to put on. Do it after you’ve completed your face care in the morning and you’re done.

Of course tweek this for your own likes and dislikes but keep all the items together. Not too many now because we want to keep it quick and simple. And make it a habit to put on every day.

Voila!

End Your Dry Skin Problems With These Natural Tips

Dry skin can happen at any time, but it is more prevalent in the winter.  With the cool air, low humidity, and use of heat indoors our skin produces less oils and this may result in scaliness, itching and cracking.

Ouch!

I have dry skin year round but must be extra diligent in the winter if I am going to have any comfort.

Here are ___ tips for you to combat your own winter dry skin.

• Hydrate. Make sure you drink plenty of water.  This is most imporant when it comes to keeping your skin soft and supple.
• Avoid using soaps, perfumes and detergents that dry out your skin.  If you’re not sure whether this is contributing to the problem, try switching these items out one at a time.  Allow a week or two to analyze the results.  If it makes a difference, you’ll know what to stay away from.
• You may have to change your face are routine for winter. A heavier moisturizer and a lighter face wash are what I do come winter weather.
• Take a milk or an oatmeal bath once every few weeks.  This works nicely to care for dry skin all over the body.
• After your shower or bath pat dry and then apply a rich lotion all over. You want your skin damp when you apply your lotion.
• Moisturize your skin from the inside out.  If it is not producing enough oils in the first place, putting moisturizer on the skin will have limited benefits.  Make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.  These are found in nuts, legumes, and fish.  Also be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, B and E.

I hope these tips will help you keep comfortable this winter.

Maxiglide – Hair Straightener

Okay if you have super curly hair and straighten it often or occasionally then this post is for you.

I use the Maxiglide Hair Straightener (flatiron) XP. My hair is super curly. Known as coily and needs a boatload of conditioner and a stream of running water to detangle.

I purchased the original Maxiglide originally about 3 years ago because I felt that other flat irons were either too hot or I just didn’t want to fry my hair. It broke down last year and I purchased the XP.

Smaller and lighter than the original Maxiglide the Maxiglide XP it works just as well but is easier on my arms.

It was the steam feature that sold me on the Maxiglide Flat Iron and I have never regretted the purchase. I in turn talked my aunt into buying one and she has regularly used it for the past 3 years.

The goal of the Maxiglide is straighten your hair with steam and detangle it at the same time with the little pins on the plate. Thereby omitting the need for first blow drying your hair and hopefully omitting the excess drying that comes with hair straightening. Note your hair should be dry before using the Maxiglide.

My Maxiglide came with

1. The Maxiglide Unit itself
2. One flat smooth plate
3. One plate with little pins
4. A water reservoir holder thingy
5. A bag to hold it all in
6. A DVD

For me the best feature of the Maxiglide is the steam couple with the little pins. Making sure to apply just the right pressure, which isn’t all the way nor too light, my VERY CURLY hair is detangled and straightened all at the same time.

Some people felt that the pins were catching in their hair and while this is possible figuring out just the right touch for your own hair is key to getting the hang of it. You don’t press the iron all the way closed.

You also have to be careful with the steam. Steam is hot. So don’t activate the steam next to your scalp, forehead etc. Be careful with the steam.

Another note is to make sure you do not store your Maxiglide with the water reservoir installed. I’m not sure if this contributed to the demise of my first machine but just in case. They tell you this in the directions but who reads directions anymore? I do now!

I love my Maxiglide. I trashed all of my other flat irons.  I have found it to be faster at straightening my hair than other flat irons.  The first time I did my hair it went amazingly fast. Now it takes me about an hour to do my thick hair with fine strands.

Since I sold my aunt on it also same thing. We know nothing lasts forever so we’re thinking of stocking up.

If you do decide to take the plunge here are some tips…

• First register your product
• Keep your Maxiglide in good condition. Clean after each use.
• Don’t tangle up the cord.
• Remove the water resevoir when putting away after use

Take Some Time to Smell the Roses

You know there was a news story this morning. It was about the fact that with all of the things happening in our world today mom’s were taking on much more and the need to debrief or relax or get some me time was uber important.

In an effort to help reign in family budgets women were doing what was once considered old fashioned things like making more dinners at home instead of eating out. Managing more of their beauty needs at home instead of going to salons and spas. Cutting back on services such as maid service, dry cleaning. And being frugal with food such as making more out of leftovers.

So I hope you are finding some time in your day, no matter how small, to get a bit of time for yourself. Take a power nap. Read a few pages of your favorite book. Have a personal tea party. Get in some exercise.

Who will take care of the family if you burn out? Be kind to mama.

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