Mom makeover.
Tummy tuck.
Liposuction.
The list goes on of all the things I know I’ve considered in efforts to have a body I could be proud of. Heck I’ve asked for them for anniversary gifts. However, as a mom of a little girl, it’s hard to say in one hand “fix it” and another hand, “be proud of it.”
And especially in Big D, home of more plastic surgery than any other place except LA, I thought this was a pretty big conversation.
So what do you think of these stats from RealSelf? Especially after this blogger was asked her for a photo with a shirt on as part of her feature in Shape magazine after her weight loss left her less midsection less than airbrushed.
So it’s time to weigh in…(well not really, but I want to hear your thoughts!)
Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney
Mother-Daughter Day at Daired’s Spa & Salon
This week’s Try-it Tuesday isn’t anything fitness this time, but I can promise the stylist that the fingers that had to do my hair got a real workout.
When you Google “Texas Big Hair,” it’s my headshot that comes up…we’ll maybe not on the front page, but believe me I have a big ole head of crazy hair. It’s coarse, curly and long – and when I blowdry it, I resemble something off a Tina Turner video. Needless to say, after 30 something years, finding someone to cut my hair isn’t always easy.
Then I had my beautiful baby girl. While she looks a lot like her mama (God, bless her), she has her own big crazy hair to handle, although it’s actually very little like mine. She has the brown curls, but the similarities stop there. She has soft, fine hair with a daddy-gave-me-this hairline I have yet to figure out how to style. So most the time her hair is a little bit of a crazy mess and it’s definitely needed some trimming or something or someone to give me a little guidance on what to do with it.
So with an upcoming appearance on TV and limited time to fit just one more thing in, I called Daireds Salon and Spa Pangea in Arlington. I was actually very surprised they actually accepted kids into a salon like Daireds…especially when you look at their services lists for salon, spa, cafe and boutique. But they gladly scheduled us both.
Sweet goodness, we’ll see how it goes.
In my past life, I was privy to get the opportunity to enjoy some of the best spas in Vegas. And while Dallas is full of day spas, very few of them even begin to equal up the experience you get in LV. However, entering Daireds you definitely get a “posh spa” feeling – without the snob appeal. It’s interiors are beautiful, colorful and keep your eye wondering while you wait for your turn to hit the chair. I love the fountains both indoors and out.
I had been prepared to have Taylor’s cut and then mine so I could assist with a two-year’s hair cut. Much to my surprise we had separate stylists and my little girl immediately aged 10 years as she was brought to the chair, put on a smock and began her first big-girl hair cut. Her stylist was awesome and dealt with all the stress from both mom and baby girl perfectly. Taylor actually wanted to go with her instead of mam. Unfortunately, I was getting my hair done, so the pictures aren’t so great, but you can see her sitting just like a little princess. I could already tell this would be the first of many experiences with us two gals.
My stylist, George, had asked what I wanted to do with my hair, so of course, I responded with what any normal girl would say, “Make me look like Eva Mendes so Ryan Gosling will fall in love with me.” While he couldn’t take off the weight around my mid-section, he did take off the weight on my hair and gave it some life. I had bounce and style. And while I don’t look like Eva Mendes, I do resemble one of her commercials with all the hair-flipping I’ve been doing lately. So I guess that counts.
While I wouldn’t never want to call Daired’s a family salon and spa, there are definitely opportunities when you can bring in your kiddo for a hair cut or a special day and expect both of you to enjoy it. I had planned to keep her under control so I had reinforcements like goldfish crackers, juice and toys to keep her happy – at least until I snagged her a fresh chocolate chip cookie from the in-house cafe!
Now don’t think I’m about to start having baby girl for massages or facials any time soon, but it was nice to think that if the occasion presented itself, I have a place to bring her. Until then, mama will continue to check out the services like massages, nails or facials, until its her time to drive herself on over and make her own appointments (which could be anytime with this girl.)
Daired’s Salon & Spa Pangea
2400 West Interstate 20
Arlington, Texas 76017
(817) 465-9797 or metro (817) 467-9991
Website
The Cost of Being a Mom
Want-It Wednesday: Wake Up Your Wardrobe with Stella & Dot Bracelet & Earrings {Giveaway}
Want-it Wednesdays:
Also, remember I’m hosting a “Wake Up Your Wardrobe” Spring Trunk Show! And right now Spend $50 and get 50% off your purchase AND we’re also giving away another necklace to one lucky person who makes a purchase. Best of all, this month when you buy something from my trunk show, a portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Awareness Month!
So what are you waiting for?
Virgins Saints & Angels New Line Brings Out the Princess (or Witch) In You
Not me, but totally wanted everything around her neck! |
I’ll do the laundry with a smile if I can do it with that tiara! |
Virgins Saints & Angels makes it fashionable to wear dragons, daggers and spiders year-round. |
you say Valentine’s Day, my pretty!?!
You too can get your little paws on this line. And if you have a little time on Friday, Feb. 8 from 1-4 p.m, you can also meet the lady who made fairytales come to life with the Virgins Saints & Angels’ Cheryl Finnegan at Swag. The global trunk show runs until Sunday, Feb. 10 or you can always order a piece online at Swag!
A Little Box of Skin Miracles?
Me Mondays:
Save Those Leftovers: Make Your Skin Merry & Bright with Pumpkin and Yams
Me Mondays:
- Yam Pulp Purée: high in beta-carotene and vitamins to fight the signs of aging
- Pumpkin Pulp Purée: rich in enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants to fight the signs of aging
- Pineapple: purifies skin by removing dirt and proteins
- Papaya: contains vitamins and fruit enzymes to improve the appearance of skin
- Glycolic Acid: soothing and smoothing agent
- Lactic Acid: sloughs off dead skin cells to improve texture of skin
- Willowbark Extract: natural beta-hydroxy to minimize the appearance of pores
- Phyto-Hyaluronic Acid (Phytocollagen): deeply hydrating; natural substance that smoothes and plumps skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Green Tea Extract: high in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins for youthful looking skin
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Birthday Fun in Dallas with Spa at the Village, DISH Drag Brunch, Hotel Zaza Sunday School & Napa Valley
Me Mondays:
“Me Mondays” are supposed to be a one-day dedicated to focusing on making things better for ALL moms. However, today the title is most apropos because today IS my birthday, so I’m sharing how this mama spent the weekend celebrating her 22st birthday (hahaha, give or take 10 years or so.) I have to admit it was the best one yet! It was all about conquering some bucket list items!
Starting off the fun festivities, after a hard-hitting session of Jay’s Bootcamp and one of my favorites Friday’s spin class with Melissa, I spent a glorious afternoon at The Spa at the Village in Colleyville. Thank goodness for a perfectly timed Groupon because for less than $100, I was able to get the Pumpkin & Spice Fall Spa Package (which is valued at $430!) The whole experience was heavenly — with a delicious massage, a pumpkin facial and even a an inch loss body wrap (always a nice way to start off a birthday is with a few inches off your body!) I opted to get a few add-ons as well which were well worth it since my dark circles have seemed to disappear – or at least minimize for the time-being! The staff was amazing and I know I’ll be back since they offer specials to their members and I can’t remember the last time I felt that relaxed.
After Friday afternoon, I was more than happy to call it done with my festivities, but that was just the beginning. My amazing husband had me open a FedEx box addressed to him, but when I opened it, I found a beautiful handbag. I have to admit, I’ve been waiting for a long time to get this purse, so I couldn’t have been more surprised. It is beautiful! While this one wasn’t a bucket list item, it was on top of my “All I Want For Christmas…” list. Santa just showed up a little early this year!
Again, just the beginning of the birthday fun, I spent a few hours with some friends on Saturday enjoying a few of Fort Worth’s most beautiful homes and best chefs with The Kitchen Tour, a fundraising event for A Wish with Wings. It may have been chilly, but some of the tasty soups we enjoyed made it worth it (that and the bloody mary that kept me warm on the inside!) I love looking a beautiful homes and certainly enjoying award-winning food from local restaurants, so this was ideal for a pre-birthday event!
Sunday was the icing on the cake. My mom and two of girlfriends got gussied up and attended Brunch at DISH. Referred from Dallas’ Queen of the Scene, Cynthia Smoot, Once a month the Oak Lawn rest throws a party with brunch, bottomless mimosas and drag queens. It’s hard to imagine a drag show at 10:30 AM in the morning, but it and the three-course brunch was a perfect way to spend the morning. Another bucket list item complete. However, bottomless mimosas ensured the party wasn’t over yet.
Of course, what would Sunday be without Sunday School? But this is not the Sunday School you are used to. Hotel Zaza puts on a heck of a party and this time Halloween was the occasion. While I wish I could tell you how great the food and drink was, especially since the pancakes are supposed to be phenomenal, but it was more like a night club than a breakfast spot. Sunday School Brunch includes food and fun like no other…just be ready to need a little recoop time after all the fun is over! This event is a MUST for anyone in Dallas. (Just be happy I don’t have photos to share with you!)
Lose a Dress Size with Just a Wink
My family recently celebrated my daughter’s first birthday…while it was a day of joy for my daughter; I’ll admit I was sad that after a year, I was still carrying my baby weight (and then some.) While I wish that this post was the miracle way I dropped 20 lbs., at least I can share that I figured out how to drop a dress size… at least for a couple of hours.
Photo courtesy of Wink Shapewear |
Photo courtesy of Wink Shapewear |
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)