Style Archives - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

Out with the Old In with the New

March 1, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Need a fresh start? Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or doing a full-on purge, it’s can help more than just you. Let “Out with the Old In with the New” do more with O, The Magazine + Talbots.

Thanks to O, The Oprah Magazine + Talbots for partnering with me to share this give back campaign.

Each year around this time, I do some housecleaning.

Spring cleaning, if you will.

I go through my drawers. files, the pantry, the fridge, and even my panty drawer – everything – to get rid of the “crap.” Actually it’s not crap, but the stuff that I don’t use and I don’t need any more. And to be honest, normally I figure out I didn’t ever need it in the first place.

But that’s not all.

My clean out every year is both physical and mental. I’m not just cleaning out my closet, but I’m attempting to get rid of all the *bad* stuff from last year and create and restock on the good.

It’s my way of reflecting. And it’s not necessarily easy either. I work through ~~some~~ a lot stuff and this year has been a biggie; trying to figure out my plan what’s next.

What’s best for my family, what’s best for my career, and most of all what’s happiness to me.

Basically, just like the seasons, spring is time to grow and bloom, but it takes time. And I lack patience.

But this year’s “spring cleaning” had a big change when I literally had to clean all the closets…and the cabinets, and the garage…and everything else in our house.

Needless to say after 12 years in a home, I have a lot of clothes. And going through each one I still remember what I was doing, where I was, and who I was with when I last wore it. And some of those name-brand frocks hadn’t been worn in a REAL REAL REAL long time. But they were important to me – like my first black power suit and a beautiful Prabal Gurung dress. #prebaby #highschool

Don’t you just love scarves? I wore them in high school and adored them. So I’m staging a comeback.

So I had tons of clothes that looked brand new that needed a good home (after I tried to put them on one last time and cried a little.)

And just like spring; my time with the clothes was over, but there had to be somewhere that someone could enjoy them just as I had.

For a third year O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots opened on Feb. 20 at retail and online. The limited set of pieces included red, white and blue pieces that can be work with spring and summer staples. And don’t forget one small, but important detail: the ladybug.

Talbots is also encouraging women to clean out their closets and will accept “nearly new” clothing and accessories in its 435 locations March 1 to 4. Consumers can also pitch in by purchasing items from the O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots collection. Thirty percent of net proceeds from those purchases will benefit Dress for Success, which helps women return to the workforce. Cash donations can also be made in stores now through April 1.

Considering I’m always a big fan of a great cardi – especially one that can be made to dress up or dress down, I loved this sweater. And the details in the buttons, along with the ladybug detail, makes this a staple piece throughout the crazy Texas weather.

So go now to your closet, take out the stuff you may still love and have been holding on to, but haven’t worn. It may be ready for a new chapter for a new woman.

And you’ll have some room to make a new chapter for you. I know I’m ready to write a new one for me.

To date the “O-Talbots tie-up” has raised more than $3 million in monetary contributions, collected 60,000 articles of clothing and helped to impact 60,000 women’s lives.

Creating Your Own Modern Mom Style

October 25, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Seem like mom + fashion don’t go together? With just a few staples, you can create your own modern mom style.

Congrats to Talbots for celebrating 70 years of style and this sponsored post.

Style isn’t a word I’d ever used to describe me.

Unless you’re talking about the absence of it.

…And style blogger? I agree I’m a blogger and that I’m always in search of style, but style and blogger don’t belong in the same sentence with me. I even if I tried, I just can’t pull off that “gazing into nothingness” look that most fashion bloggers ace like a champ all over Instagram and make us all swoon to get it now. (I follow all of them so I know it works.)

But it’s not me. (See I’m even laughing at me.)

I admit used to try. Like really I did. I even was named “Most Sophisticated” in high school for my daily use of scarves and the endless black wardrobe. (Yes, there is a picture somewhere.)

Then I had kids.

It’s not that I didn’t want to look good but let’s face it, there’s a magical moment once you have children, and continuously have to wipe up endless spit up, change blowout dirty diapers, and deal with whatever crap that gets thrown at you (literally), many women choose comfort versus style.

And yoga pants? They are the comfortable version of Spanx (Spanx light if you will) that you don’t mind pulling on or better yet a “thigh lift” that makes you feel a little better about letting go (as long as you look more like Sporty Spice than Scary Spice.) Throw in a ballcap and I’m set. (Just ask most of Arlington…that’s my wardrobe.)

(Insert most all photos of me here for the yoga look.)

But you can’t always wear yoga pants everyday and to be honest, you shouldn’t. Sometimes there are occasions that you have to peel off the spandex and put your best self forward. If you’re like me, I don’t want to spend a fortune or trendy. My “style” is one of classic + comfort with a little bit of fun. Basically, for me, I need to be able to head to a meeting and then pick up my kids and go into mom mode without feeling uncomfortable or out of place in any place.

A tailored jacket, a classic black dress, a crisp white shirt, a beautiful scarf, a statement necklace, a great handbag…these are the staple items that you need to make the most of your closet and to create your style. Talbots, which has made its name known for its classic, sophisticated style, has developed a signature wardrobe capsule to design your own modern mom style. The line is part of its exclusive anniversary collection celebrating women through the ages for their own iconic style.

For the record, I hate pink. It’s never been a color that I feel comfortable in. At my age I’ve learned to be ok that my closet, which is at least 75% black, is ok. To me black always is in style and I feel like I look good in it when I wear it. But there is something to having one item in your wardrobe that says wow. This jacket definitely makes an impact, draws the eye in, and gets your attention. I think you can agree this bright pink one does that exactly.

The only thing that you need to add is one pair of basic black heels and blue jeans and you’re all set – all year long. Now mix it up your way to make a look that’s you!

Style doesn’t have to be complicated or one that requires you tuning into Instagram daily to figure it out or have to work to get it right. When you know you have the right ingredients to start, your finished dish is pretty easy to get right.

Five Ways To Take Five This Fall

September 12, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Fall may mean new beginnings…but it also means busy season is in high gear! Schedule some time to take give this fall just for you.

Thanks to prAna for making us all comfortable in our skin with this sponsored post.

What’s not to love about the fall. In Texas it’s the short time span between mid-September to mid-October that the temperature is a lot like The Three Bears…Not too cold, not too hot, it’s just right. For me it reminds me of high school football, Frito Pies, baked apple pies baking in the oven, pumpkin everything, and of course, my birthday (I mean it’s in my name?)

Unfortunately as a parent it also means that school starts, PTA, practices, quickly following with decorations, holidays and much more. While in theory the fall should be this brief moment to just enjoy Mother Nature’s gift, it’s actually more like the calm before the storm. Heck, I’m already tired just thinking about it.

I wish there was one fall that I could just be a spectator and take it all in…especially before it’s over in a blink of an eye. But let’s be honest, if you want that somewhat perfect idea of the holidays to happen, you have to make it happen. Or even better, maybe we all need to change the idea of what we think the perfect holiday looks like (Pinterest is not a good example.)

“Smell your rose, blow out your candle…”

So this year I’m making a point before I get caught up in the mess of the last months to just take a few moments JUST FOR ME to appreciate the little things that make me happy. Five minutes may not seem like much, but overall it will keep your nerves at bay before you blow on Christmas Day.

Curl up with a good book.

Okay…when’s the last time you read a book (truth – I can’t even remember but I do love my Audible.) However, I love reading magazines – from start to finish – it’s like a therapeutic getaway. But whatever it looks like, don’t keep building up the pile. Find something you’ve been meaning to learn, love and get lost in and do it. Even if it’s just 5 minutes a day.

Drink the coffee (even the PSL.)

Coffee, tea, whatever…I’ve become the worst about making a cup and then getting so busy that when I get back to the cup, it’s cold. There’s nothing more disappointing. So don’t just get the cup of joe and run, savor it, smell it, taste it, experience it. It’s not really the coffee we’re going for here – it’s just taking in what’s in front of you without the distractions. Besides one pumpkin spice latte won’t hurt you.

Take a walk.

The beautiful burgundy and mustard colored leaves crackling under your feet, the aroma of earth, spice and crisp area on your shoulders…even a five minute walk will make a difference to your disposition (plus it’ll help burn the calories from your #PSL.)

Pull out the “comfty clothes.”

Everybody should have a few pieces in their closet or drawer that make them feel like you’re wrapped up in a blanket. No matter how crappy your day has been, it makes you feel good to wear them. And most of all, that you can move in them and not feel tired or restricted. My new favorite loves are these pieces from prAna – my soft merino wool sweater and deco crop leggings. Just putting them all makes my day better and that I can do anything. AND I can feel good getting all my stuff done and still feel look I’m not wearing sweats.

Get 15% off your prAna order with the code: MS15AR.

Just breathe.

I’ve found myself doing a lot of this lately. When things really hit the fan, I just have to take a few breaths to start over, reassess, and get on with it. Looking at research stress doesn’t know boundaries, it comes no matter if it’s work, home, kids, whatever. And when you’re stressed, your cortisol gets into gear and you can actually gain weight. So with all that in mind if you feel the anxiety kick in, kick back with a few deep inhales. My daughter told me her teacher says “Smell your rose, blow out your candle” and you’ll feel better. It works. Try it. And it takes less than five minutes to get back in the game.

How do you keep it together when it seems like everything is on overload?

3 Summer Styles in Seconds

July 12, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Summer fun got you in overdrive? Look cool while it’s hot with these 3 Summer Styles in Seconds.

Thanks to Sephora inside JCPenney for this sizzling summer style collaboration.

Is it just me or does the summer break not seem like a break at all, but actually one long sweaty marathon divided up into several 5Ks where you always feel like you’re in a sprint from one place to another?

Yep, they actually should call it the summer bustle and hustle as we parents try to fit in vacation, work, summer camp, pool time, playdates, a few holidays and hopefully an opportunity to enjoy a little fun in the sun.

Throw in 90-100 degree temperatures with that non-stop schedule, there’s no time to look good and keep it, all day long.

With a little help and just a few seconds, you can create some hot hairstyles that will make you look so cool (and keep you cool) all day long. Plus you can also give your tresses the care they need from heat from heat, chlorine, and product damage.

Drybar is easily one of my favorite multitasking secrets when you need an incredible look that lasts when your to-dos look more like Santa’s Christmas toy list. But what’s even better is that the blowdry bar has created one of the best product lines that keeps hair looking great anytime. For me the DryBar Detox Dry Conditioner helps to tame my summer mane, making my hair silky, shiny, and more healthy. Best of all, you don’t even have to head to Drybar to get it. Just head to JCPenney and you’ll find Sephora inside JCPenney with all your favorite hair, makeup and beauty needs.

Now just add a bandana, rubberband or even a little coconut oil, and you’re ready to take on the day – or at least look hot when you’re trying to stay cool.

3 Summer Styles in Seconds

1. Sleek Pony

You can never go wrong with a slick back pony tail. Whether you’re going for something casual or fancy, this is the do for you. Plus it’s easy enough that you don’t really need any instruction or even a mirror at that.

After blasting your strands midlength to the ends with the Drybar Dry Conditioner, add a little volume by teasing at the crown.
Then secure the hair with an elastic ponytail holder.
Section off a small portion of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap around the elastic band and tuck the ends with bobby pins.
Optionally, you can use a short scarf like this one, to tie around the pony to add a little color to your look.

2. Banded Bun

Consider this your princess do (all while keeping your crown tucked and off your neck.) Spray a little Drybar Dry Conditioner to smooth the strands.

Tie a bandana like one of these (it comes in a two-pack) at the nape of the neck (keeping it at the top of the hair.)
Next begin tucking the ends up around the bandana.
Last use a few bobby pins to tuck in the ends and secure.

3. Wet Look

Did you just get out of the pool and have to run to the next activity? Don’t try to wash and dry, just go for the wet look. If Kim K. can do it, you can too!

After a few squirts of Drybar Dry Conditioner, flat iron the strands.
Then volumize the roots of the front half of the hair with a comb by grabbing a section of hair and teasing the roots from behind the section.
To complete the “wet look,” add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the palms and add to the top and sides of the hair.

To finish your summer look for where ever you need to go, add a fitted white jacket over a bright tank and short shorts paired with cork espadrilles and you’re out the door!

GET THIS SUMMER LOOK AT JCPENNEY AND SEPHORA INSIDE JCPENNEY

Fun Out of the Sun: Grapevine Mills

June 22, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 33 Comments

Looking for the coolest places for fun this summer? Here’s the scoop on the sale you can’t miss and the fun you’ll find for the whole family at Grapevine Mills. #ThePerfectBag

Thanks to Grapevine Mills for this collaboration and giving us the scoop on the fun this summer.

The moment school let out, Camp Mama took over.

It’s a hybrid of family fun activities, carpooling to camps all over the map, and me still trying to keep everything else rolling and going without losing my mind.

Shop, Drop, Repeat.

When’s the last time you were at Grapevine Mills?

It’s a crazy day, everyday.

I try to mix it up with a little something we can all enjoy…summertime doesn’t have to be just for the kids, right?

So when the hot Texas summer takes over, we’ve found refuge at Grapevine Mills.

Recently the center finalized a multi-million dollar renovation, with sleek new flooring, lighting, seating and special details to make your experience more comfortable whether you’re dropping in for an hour or hoofing it for the whole day of shop ’til you drop. Plus many new stores and unique entertainment destinations has made Grapevine Mills on the top of our go-to shortlist.

Speaking of shortlist, you have just until June 30 to head to Grapevine Mills for their Annual Handbag Sale. Considering I’m always on the hunt for a handbag (I’m totally a bag lady), this sale features already hugely discounted prices on the hottest trends from some of my favorites like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF FIFTH, Banana Republic Factory, Francesca’s, J.Crew Factory, Guess Factory, Nautica, Steve Madden, Vera Bradley Factory Outlet and many more!

// GUESS //

// BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY //

// STEVE MADDEN //

AND THERE’S MORE (in my best Price of Right voice!)

Win the Handbag of Your Dreams Sweepstakes – Two lucky shoppers will have the chance to ‘win the handbag of your dreams’ through a sweepstakes hosted on Grapevine Mills’ Facebook page. All you have to do is comment with which one you love the most! The winners will be selected at random and will receive a Simon American Express gift card valued at $500. (The winners have to be residents of Texas and have the ability to pick up from Grapevine Mills.)

// PLUS FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN WIN $100 SIMON GIFT CARD FROM MAMACHALLENGE.COM//

Handbag Pop Art Display – Shoppers can get interactive at the 5’-by-10’ pop art handbag display in front of Guest Services courtyard near Victoria’s Secret. It will make a great backdrop for photos and Grapevine Mills encourages shoppers to take and post photos at the display and of their handbag finds using #ThePerfectBag.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Shopping can be fun for some, but not everyone! That’s where Grapevine Mills also makes it easy for you to entertain the whole family especially with some of the NEW destinations!

The Escape Game / Located near the Food Court
Opening just a month ago, you can now choose your escape! The Escape Game is perfect for large groups, girls’ night out, date night, or just a new way to mix it up your day. Rated #1 “Escape Room” On TripAdvisor’s National Rankings, you and your team are locked in a room and have one hour to complete a mission and escape. Escaping requires teamwork, quick thinking, determination and a sense of urgency!

Fieldhouse USA / Located at Entry 3 by Burlington Coat Factory
Build on your sports skills or discover a new one! Fieldhouse USA offers summer camps for basketball, volleyball and futsal camps through August 15 for children ages 5 and up with the emphasis on 100% participation and FUN! Camp Add-Ons are also available to give your child a full day of sports fun all week long.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre / Located at Entry 5 with SEA LIFE Aquarium and AMC Theaters
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor LEGO® experience full of amazing play, creativity and building fun designed for families with kids aged 3-10 years. Plus with Pirate Beach, its outdoor waterpark (included with your admission), you can let the kids play with 30 water gadgets, splash through a 2o-foot-tall, 50-gallon bucket of water, while you chill in the shade (or get a little sun!)

SEA LIFE Aquarium / Located at Entry 5 with LEGOLAND Discover Center and AMC Theaters
Take a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean depths through 16 themed zones at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium. Get up close to thousands of amazing creatures and find out how it feels to touch a sea start and other creatures living in our interactive rockpool experience. With an amazing 360° ocean tunnel, 30 display tanks and thousands of sea creatures the aquarium is the perfect stop for family fun. (Plus it’s all in the A/C!)

Round One Bowling and Entertainment / Located at Entry 6 near the NIKE Factory Store
Whether it’s bowling, arcade games, karaoke, billiards, darts, ping pong or more, you’ll find it at Round One! At 80,000 square-foot game complex features a full bowling alley with 24 lanes that can accommodate up to 120 players, 2,603 square-feet dedicated to singing, and 12 tournament standard billiard tables can accommodate up to 48 players.

Don’t miss these guys at PUDDING ON SMILES! It will make you smile every time you lick your spoon!

AMC Theaters / West side of Grapevine Mills
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable spot to watch a movie or enjoy a full-on movie and a meal experience, AMC Theaters is perfect. Plus it’s close proximity to LEGOLAND Discover Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium, finish off the day with a movie (they’ll probably sleep on the way home.)

Mark your calendar and save the date for these great family movies this summer!

Despicable Me 3 – June 30
Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7 – PG-13
The Emoji Movie – July 28
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature – August 11

Want to win $100 Simon Gift Card to get your new handbag or try out one of these amazing destinations?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The One Item Every Wardrobe Needs

April 7, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

If you could only one thing to wear every day what would it be? Change your look without much change with this classic staple.

Thanks to JCPenney for this helpful hack for mamachallenge readers.

If you could only one thing to wear every day what would it be?

A recent article shared that many successful people wear the same thing every day. I for one LOVE the idea of a little change from time to time, but I’m rather happy in sporting a crisp white shirt every day. There’s something about it – that says casual, sophisticated, smart, modern and classic all at the same thing. So if there’s one thing you invest in (or probably already have in your closet) is the white shirt.

And with just a few other pieces you can have a different look every day – still making you look totally on trend while making your life simpler, giving you more time for the more important things in life.

Go for O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots

February 23, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

If Oprah says she loves it you know you will too. Talbots + Oprah team up again for Dress for Success, a must-have collection that helps other women at the same time. #multitask

Thanks to Talbots for partnering with mamachallenge to share this amazing effort.

We all have seen the Oprah effect. She loves it, we love it.

But when Oprah loves it so much she champions a cause, get ready for something AMAZING.

So when Talbots asks me to be a part of the Dress for Success launch for 2017, I *died.* (Channeling my best Rachel Zoe.)

First, because it’s Oprah.

Second because it’s Talbots.

Third because it’s an effort that last year helped to raising more than $1 million for Dress for Success to help more than 20,000 women in need to feel and look their best under less than best circumstances!

However, it was the fourth that actually almost had me in a hole…and in the ground.

Why? I mean I’m joining the ranks of other women like Sara Haines (Journalist & Co-host of The View), Jill Martin (Today Contributor), Denée Benton (Broadway Actor), and Sas Goldberg (Writer, Producer, Actor) sharing our favorites from the collection (you can see theirs in the March issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.)

But it’s because I was going to have to model one of my favorite parts of the collection.

If you haven’t noticed, I don’t normally do fashion blogging. I sincerely love clothes and fortunately, I have many fashion blogger friends in Big D that do it so well. So I enjoy their blogs, shop their looks and they leave the #mamachallenge stuff to me. (You know, dirty diapers, dishes, and macaroni & cheese.)

They put on a dress/shirt/handback/heels/whatever, gaze into the wild blue yonder with flowers in hand and someone takes a photo that makes you want to run rabid to click it, share it with your BFF, and buy it before you can say “Gail!”

But for me, not so much. I look into anything and it just looks like a hot mess (see I’m even laughing at me taking this photo.) But for a cause this wonderful and puts me one step closer to the seventy-degrees-of-Oprah, I’ll do it.

So here it went.

“Just remember, it’s all about the good you’re doing and how good you’re gonna look in it, right?

With colors like black (my favorite) and pink and staples like the cardigan set I’m sporting or any of the other pieces, you’re going to love it. And thinking what you’re doing for Dress for Success, the non-profit international organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life, you’re gonna love it that much more.

In addition to shopping the collection, you can also give back in two other ways – by donating gently worn work attire from March 2 – March 5 at your local Talbots or by making a monetary donation in store or online at www.talbots.com/dressforsuccess.

How to Get Up and Go in 2017

February 1, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Make 2017 the year you get up, go, and get it done with no excuses. Be prepared for anything with help from Sephora Inside JCPenney.

Thanks to Sephora Inside JCPenney for this collaboration because you’re #SoWorthIt! #SephorainJCP

Have you ever said, I want to go work out, but I don’t want to look like a hot mess when I’m done?

Have you ever thought, after work I’d like to go meet a friend, but I wish I could shower?

Have you ever had to rush to a meeting, your kids’ school, the grocery store, and thought, I wish I didn’t look like I just rolled out of bed?

Don’t worry, we all have.

It’s the excuses we all make. It’s one of the many reasons we don’t end up crossing off things off those resolutions.

However, Sephora Inside JCPenney makes it easier to get what you need under one roof with one-stop- shopping for everything you need. And to start the new year, Sephora has put together an exclusive Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit!

Made for the work hard, play hard gal on the go, it’s full of just what you need to feel good and look good whenever you need it.

Not to mention your hair and skin will thank you for a little extra love when you need it most.

Here’s what you get in your Refresh, Set, Glow Kit:

In a rush? Use…

Ole // Truth Wipes

Need to clean off that sweaty face in a flash? Pull out one of these wipes to brighten and cleanse your skin in no time flat! I just keep these in my gym bag and feel fresh even if you don’t have time to hit the shower!

CLEAN // Rain Skin Rollerball

Says it all, right? Need a scent that doesn’t smell like you’re trying too hard, but gives the idea you did have that extra 10 minutes to get in the shower? This little guy is it. It’s like new car smell for your skin that smells what exactly CLEAN should smell like.

Forreo // Mini Forreo – Play

Allows you to not just clean your face, but give it the perfect scrub it needs (ideal in the winter time when your skin is getting its own work out. I can’t believe how tiny it is either, so you can bring it anywhere (let’s go on a trip!)

Seeking the Perfect Selfie? Try…

Clinique // Hydra Blur

Called blur for a reason, this creme give your skin that perfect smooth, finishing look – perfect for selfies (don’t pretend you don’t take ’em) or when you’re going to get up close and personal!

Too Faced // Better than Sex Mascara

One of my favorites, now in the ideal size! Now for the name, I’m not sure if it’s better, but I can say, it does make you feel pretty hot (which may increase your chances!)

Need a Moisture Overhaul? Apply…

Origins // GinZing Moisturizer

Hey, you sometimes need a little more than just a sip of water, right? This little bottle delivers the moisture it needs in a big way, but also the energy boost to get your skin motivated (even when you aren’t.)

Bumble & Bumble // Repair Blow Dry

Looking at your split ends thinking you need to call your hairstylist? No fear, Bumble & Bumble is here. The Repair Blow Dry serum-in-cream elixir is what you need to seal those ends and give your hair what it needs for bouncy, healthy tresses.

Farmacy // Coconut Sheet Mask

Got a little more time? After skiing for a few days or basking in the sun during vacation can have anyone’s skin screaming for hydration. Give her a drink with this moisturizing mask made to make your skin soft, radiant and bright!

Sephora Collection // Hair Ties

A girl can never have too many hair ties, especially those that don’t pull or get caught in your hair! Keep these handy and you’ll never be caught saying “does anyone have a rubber band?”

Because You’ll Always Need Em, Here’s…

Fresh // Sugar Lip Treatment – Rose

I’m a committed fan to all the Fresh lip treatments. However, the Rose one is just the right pink tint to highlight your lips without being too much – all while hydrating your lips and giving them some much needed SPF.

Supergoop // Defense Refresh Mist

It’s called Supergoop for a reason! I’ve been a long-time user of the brand’s sunscreen and more serum, so I wasn’t surprised this mist made my now must-have list, too. Use it to apply sunscreen after makeup without smudging your face, plus its super scent gives you just that little bit you need to feel fresh and revive your skin even in the middle of the day.

So now what’s your excuse?

Get up and go get your Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit at Sephora Inside JCPenney for a limited time!

Farmhouse Fashion: Joanna Gaines Launches New Line with Matilda Jane

January 17, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

We’re going down on the farm with Joanna Gaines’ new farmhouse fashion collection from Matilda Jane Clothing.

Thanks to Matilda Jane for sharing the new Joanna Collection with us for this farmhouse fun day.

No one owns the look on comfortable, colorful, farmhouse style than the queen of shiplap, Joanna Gaines. Her look of comfortable simple sophistication has one her and Chip millions of fans around the world for their beautiful home remodels on HGTVs Fixer Upper. Now her style comes to your closet with a new collaboration with home-based clothier Matilda Jane.

Of course, I was so excited to see what our keen eye for style would look like for my daughter. I already love what Joanna wears for herself on the show as well as her own girls, Emmie, 6, and Ella, 9. So together the Gaines gals have put together a beautiful line inspired by the same space that gives life to her remodeling world, the farm.

Playful for everyday and polished enough for a special day, my sweetheart loved all her pieces! However, like most gals, there was something about the ruffles on the Farmland Frolic dress that allowed her to dance and twirl that she adored the most. She actually mixed and matched her Haystack pants with her Pecan Pie top and the dress to keep her legs warm on a chilly day. And because of the unique combination of black and white stripes, bright florals, and special details, the looks worked so cute! (This is just one of the great features in this collection – versatility.)

And to be expected, Joanna didn’t ignore dressing your home a little with this line. You can find a tea party set, play teepee, bedding, and my favorite, matching aprons for mommy and me!

Want to get your hands on something for your baby, tod, tween or even a little for you? Then get need to get to picking soon – this collection is available only until March 2017.

Get your farmhouse style with Joanna Gaines with Matilda Jane Clothing collection now.

Face It: 5 Real Benefits of Facials

January 15, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Sure it feels good when someone treats you like a queen, but do facials actually benefit you? Here are 5 Real Benefits of Facials that are more than just fun.

Thanks to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at Lincoln Square in Arlington, Texas for sharing this great pore-opening sponsored experience!

Spa days for most of us are just one of the many dreams that the Real Housewives. Most the time the only “steaming” I had was when I dumped the spaghetti out of the pot and the steam hit my face.

(I’m always multitasking.)

However, with age, like everything in my parenthood, I’ve learned hanging with my “squad” for hours is not really possible to get on the calendar, but a routine, one-hour appointment to get a facial had real merit. And while I’m pretty good about washing my face, there’s so much more than getting it cleaned. And if I counted all the bottles of stuff I have to put on my face, I could easily have a new Louis V (no kidding.) BUT it doesn’t mean I’m doing it right or as good as they do when they perform facials professionally.

I was surprised that turning off my phone was so hard to do – even if for an hour to an hour and half, but after a glass of coconut water (they make the drops in-house), I was able to take a deep breath and let go. While that alone time is worth it, there are several other benefits for a frequent facial.

5 Real Benefits of Facials

1. Facials Get Your Face REALLY Clean

Washing your face daily has many benefits, but getting it cleaned through a facial is a whole other ballgame. Actually think of it more like a car wash. You’ve probably cleaned your car at home with the waterhose and a bucket. It was clean but it wasn’t near as clean as when you took it to the carwash and let them wash it, right? Normally the first step of a facial, the pores need to be cleaned out, preventing the increased size of pores and acne. Steaming, also part of the facial process, helps open things up, making it much easier for your skin to accept all those serums and creams you put on your face. It’s kinda useless basically to buy all those treatment if your skin doesn’t ever absorb them for them to work.

2. Then there’s all the Scrubbing

Exfoliation, or careful scrubbing, exfoliants to stimulate cell renewal, remove dry skin, break down stubborn discoloration (brown spots) and fade post-breakout red/dark marks. The scrubbing helps to get all the old crap out of the way so you can get the right crap on it. While at Hand & Body, my facialist asked all kinds of the questions to help find out all the things I did (and didn’t do right) to my skin so she can recommend the right masks, products, etc.

Actually, there isn’t just one exfoliation for everyone, either. With the help of your Hand & Body esthetician, you can experience several of their facial peels and exfoliation services depending on your needs including:

microdermabrasion
glycolic peel
salicylic peel
lactic acid peel

3. Massaging Does More Than Make Your Feel Good

And what about all that rubbing and massaging? It can aid in the detoxification process.

Facials drain all the crap under the skin that cause puffiness, ruddiness, and crap in the lymphatic system by actually pushing it out manually to drain. This way the crap detoxifies your skin both inside and out. Also, facials help your circulation to get the skin cells renewing and that color all pretty and pink.

…But yes that massaging on your face, neck, and shoulders does feel amazing. And nothin’ wrong about that.

4. Professional Consultation

All the Pinterest, Facebooking and reading you can do does not a dermatologist make you. While not every facialist is a derm either, they are educated about the skin, how best to treat it and prevent additional issues. These products can be applied during the facial (and this could be during repeated treatments) and also other products you can be using at home on a daily basis. This way you don’t just keep buying stuff at the drug store that doesn’t work and isn’t right for your skin.

5. Facials are Anti-Aging

When you’re 20 you aren’t thinking about anti-aging. But when you’re 30, those words get real. Facials help slow the aging process making your skin healthier by getting rid of all the old, dead skin cells, then increasing the rate of collagen production to make your skin healthier and more radiant. And all those products reduce the fine lines, lighten those age spots and give your skin that heavy drink of water (hydration) it needs.

Bottom line? Facials are good for you and do more than just make you feel good. Find somewhere you are comfortable with and keep facials in your routine; not just once in a while will create the best benefit for you. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa make it easy for you at a price that is also affordable, too. And your first service is always at a special introductory rate to try it out! You can’t beat that!

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Sure it feels good when someone treats you like a queen, but do facials actually benefit you? Here are 5 Real Benefits of Facials that are more than just fun.

5 Real Benefits of Facials

1. Facials Get Your Face REALLY Clean

2. Then there’s all the Scrubbing

3. Massaging Does More Than Make Your Feel Good

4. Professional Consultation

5. Facials are Anti-Aging

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