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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

3 Summer Styles in Seconds

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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. 


Summer-Style

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. 

Summer-Style

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. 

Summer-Style

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. 

Summer-Style

3 Summer Styles in Seconds 

Summer-Style

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. 

Summer-Style

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. 

Summer-Style

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! 

Summer-Style

Summer-Style 

GET THIS SUMMER LOOK AT JCPENNEY AND SEPHORA INSIDE JCPENNEY

And remember to head to your Sephora Inside JCPenney for your hair, beauty and skin needs to keep you looking cool all summer long.
 

Picnicking with Pinots: Napa Valley Moms Trip

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Want to really make a mark this Mother’s Day? Take it from this mama, it’s about the memories. Here’s a look at my adventures with mine: Napa Valley Moms Trip.

Thank you to JCPenney for sponsoring this post and the reminder to tell all the mamas, “you’re #SOWORTHIT!” 

Being a mom is a lot like fine wine….the older you get the better you get.

…But take it from me, don’t wait to savor her, appreciate her as much as you can, when you can.


They always say that one day you’ll really appreciate your mom. Like REALLY appreciate her.

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In a way that you really can truly understand when you become one yourself.

At that time you get it. And man does it hit you like a big bag of bricks.

Thankfully, while my mother doesn’t live near, she lives close enough if I need something she’s there.

Especially since I’ve had children, she’s there in no time flat.

Without her, there are so many times I wouldn’t have been able to get to a meeting, get my hair done, give birth, go on my dream vacation, cry in the bathroom in peace and quiet. She’s made it happen – whatever, whenever I needed.

And when she goes to leave, to return home to my dad who’s fended for himself while she “Gigis,” the kids and I both walk her out to the car, give her hugs, share kisses, and then the tears begin. All of us.

A few years ago I had a chance to do something with my mama and escape together.

Napa Valley with my Mom

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Off to Napa we went for a week of fun and fancy free to inhale as much as Napa Valley we could – and over my birthday at that.

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During our drive from San Francisco to Napa and then on to Calistoga (a drive that everyone should take – it’s SO WORTH IT), we talked, we laughed, and plotted out our week. I had arranged for a few hot spots, but we left our schedule open to make sure we didn’t squeeze the joy out of our relaxing week trying to get all my hot spots on the itinerary (I do that.)

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Funny enough – we hit almost everything including some that I didn’t think that were possible including Bouchon. One of the items on my list I was able to secure was a tour and tasting at Cliff Lede. A vineyard and winery devoted to classic rock music, the mood of the place rocked (and so did the wine.)

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Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Really whole trip was like that. One experience after another, we found a beautiful space, drank beautiful wine, enjoyed some beautiful meat, cheese and other accoutrements, and just enjoyed the space, the moment and our company.

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However, it really was just lots of picnics we were having all of Northern California!

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Since our getaway, we haven’t had a chance to escape like that again, but we do reminisce about it all the time. And the last time the kids went to visit her, she mentioned she’d love to have a picnic with the kids but she didn’t have a “proper picnic basket.”

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I wasn’t sure exactly what a proper basket was but I was sure I would know it when I saw it.

Sitting in my head, that statement took me back to our “picnics” in Napa, so when Mother’s Day rolled around this year, it was obvious that I was on the search for the right picnic basket for her.

So off to JCPenney I went and discovered a vast selection of picnic baskets. From old school baskets to insulated ones, with straps with or without plates, there was a basket for everyone.

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And then I found it – a proper picnic basket. Beautiful and picturesque, just looking at it reminding me of all the moments we had in Napa picnicking with our pinots.

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But there was one thing missing…a bottle of Cliff Lede that I had picked up from the winery on our trip.

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The perfect pairing. Just like us.

And just the way to say “YOU’RE SO WORTH IT, MOM” this Mother’s Day.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Looking for something for your mama this Mother’s Day or looking for a proper picnic basket of your own, head to JCPenney. Take a look at these baskets AND enter to win $25 JCPenney Gift Card Giveaway.

         

       ENTER TO WIN $25 JCPENNEY GIFT CARD 

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 Napa-Valley-Moms-Trip

How to Get Up and Go in 2017

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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!
SephoraInsideJCPenney

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.

SephoraInsideJCPenney

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!  

SephoraInsideJCPenney

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!) 

SephoraInsideJCPenney

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!)

SephoraInsideJCPenney

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! 

 

SephoraInsideJCPenney

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. 

Sephora-Inside-JCPenney

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. 

Sephora-Inside-JCPenney

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! 

 

Halloween DIY: Two Minute Cape

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With Halloween just a few days away (the countdown is really on) doesn’t mean you can’t have a cute Halloween costume right in time. With a little help from JCPenney, you can be the queen (princess or superhero) of Halloween! 

Two-Minute-Cape

Recently I was thrilled to partner with JCPenney to host a “DIY Costume Ideas Workshop” at Stonebriar Center. Of course, you know, I’m not one for much DIY, but I am the queen of finding easy and quick ways to get your parenting challenges handled – especially this time of the year with Halloween.

Using a few key items from your kid’s closet or from JCPenney, you can make some outstandingly creative costumes – and best of all, use them after Halloween for the rest of the year! That’s a win, win for everyone that makes it #SoWorthIt to do your Halloween shopping at JCPenney.


If you missed it, here’s the highlight reel.

During the workshop we covered everything from princesses to Pokemon. However, one of my favorites was using just a white t-shirt and a pair of Arizona denim jeans.

Two-Minute-Cape

5 Costumes Using Blue Jeans and a White T-Shirt

With just a pair of Arizona jeans, white tee, and a few accessories, we created:

  •      Maverick from Top Gun adding a Bomber Jacket (Similar to this one from JCPenney)
  •      Ponyboy from The Outsiders or anyone from Grease 
  •      Ash from Pokemon with this blue sleeveless jacket (This is the one at JCPenney)
  •      The Boss Bruce Springsteen by just adding a bandana

Vampire and Witch Costume

JCPenney-Halloween-Cat

A basic staple of every Halloween season is a witch and a vampire. And with a black dress like this one or a three-piece outfit like this one you may have in this closet after a special occasion, put it to good use by adding a cape and a little makeup help from the Sephora Inside JCPenney.

Two-Minute-Cape

Two-Minute Cape

This is a no-sew, no glue, no time cape. And yes, it takes two minutes. If you go spooky, choose black felt. Need a superhero cape, then go colorful with red or yellow. Either way you’ll be a hero for any Halloween outfit. As for the amount you need, this is all in who you are making it for and how long you want it. It’s so cheap, it doesn’t hurt to get a little too much and then you can always use the extra to make a mask too.  

Two-Minute-Cape

All You Need

Felt in your desired color (get this at your local fabric store for CHEAP)

Scissors

Ribbon (I chose the same color ribbon as my cape color)

Instructions

  1. Measure the length of your child from their shoulders down to the preferred length and cut it off. For a vampire cloak, you might want to add a few inches, to create a high collar or hoodie. If you wanted to make a two-foot cape, then allow for around at least four more inches for enough room for the ribbon to tie the cape.
  2. Once you have the size of the cape you want cut, then fold down the fleece in half of where you want the collar to be. For a simple cape, fold over one of the ends about 2-3 inches.
  3.  Next using your scissors, cut small cuts at the fold for the width of the cape. This is where the ribbon will be threaded so the size of your cut should be half the side of the width of the ribbon. For example, if you use a 1-inch black ribbon, you’ll want to make ½ inch cuts. 
  4. Open the fold to expose your cuts. 
  5. Then thread your ribbon through the holes leaving enough on each side to give you room to tie up your cape. (I like to have at least 4-5 inches on each side.) 
  6. Now tie it on the kid and you’re done!

Optional: You could add some embellishments to your cape like the name of your superhero or maybe some bling if it’s a princess cape. The sky’s the limit.

JCPenney-Halloween2

For your Halloween and all your holiday needs, JCPenney is your resource! From costumes, to décor, dishes, gifts, appliances and housewares to prepare your home, and more, they have it all at JCPenney. 

And don’t forget about Sephora Inside JCPenney and the Salon inside JCPenney, one trip to JCPenney helps to make your time #SoWorthit!

Two lucky mamachallenge fans will win $20 gift card from JCPenney to prep for your last-minute Halloween needs!

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Back to School is So Worth it with JCPenney

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Last-minute shopping still on your back to school to-do list? This weekend save money when you head Back to School with JCPenney – it’s #soworthit!

Thanks to JCPenney for this collaboration to kick off back to school with class! 

Pencils, paper, backpacks and jeans – all staples for getting back to school. 

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Dedicated to ensure all kids head back-to-school confident and prepared by offering all of the basics they need to start the school year right, JCPenney is saving families money while sharing even more with the community. 

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JCPenney is making going back to school cool for the kids (AND mom) on great looks the kids will love at deals parents will flip for this weekend, Aug. 19 & 20. As part of the JCPenney’s Penney Saturdays and Fridays, you’ll be able to score $13 Arizona kids jeans and $17 Arizona jeans. 

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Don’t miss this: JCPenney is offering an additional 15% off coupon for customers using Pokemon Go who verbally tell an associate or show an associate in-app their favorite character.

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(Yes, my kiddo is so excited about this one!) 

But JCP doesn’t just stop with fashion, the retailer has partnered with the YMCA to support programs to continue the Y’s outreach and community programs. JCP team members will also be volunteer with local Ys to help with youth programs, tutoring and mentoring. Launching earlier this summer, JCPenney kicked it all off with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles giving 5,000 kids free access to the Y, Arizona jean giveaways, vision screenings, salon services, and entertainment – along with celebrity mom, Vanessa Lachey!

YMCA-JCPenney

AND for every pair of Arizona Jeans bought, JCPenney will donate $1 for each pair of Arizona Jeans sold to support the Y’s academic achievement programs and help all kids get ready for back to school.

YMCA-JCP

So get to JCPenney this weekend and not only save money, but help make an impact in the community with the Y! 

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:  

JCPenney Back to School Video Rocks

JCPenney Back to School Video Rocks

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Ready to get moving for Back to School? JCPenney is making a lot more fun with this fun video featuring great style and moves from the one and only Alfonso Ribiero. #SoWorthit

The countdown is on – and for us in Texas, we get the double benefit of tax-free weekend where approved school items are tax-free when purchased August 5-August 7. However, wherever you are looking for deals, you’re sure to find ‘em at your nearby JCPenney.

Back to School JCPenney


Expect great fashion and even great discounts to help you save money for back to school. However, they are getting us all in the mood with this fun video featuring my favorite bus driver, Alfonso Ribiero. Growing up he did the best ‘bus driver’ and even 20 years later, he’s still rocking the school bus with this crew of adorable kids moving and groovin’ to their own lip sync of Megan Trainor’s “Me Too.”

Just take a look and see if you can keep from dancing or singing.

I dare you…I double dog dare you.

What I love about this video is that the kids are hip and cool with fashions that I would love if my kids actually wore  – great style we can all agree on. Especially when it’s a great prices like you find at JCPenney. And of course, you just can’t help but wait to see how “Carleton” is going to break it down next.

Now “if I was you…” I’d get your rear in gear and get to your nearest JCPenney location this weekend for Back to School shopping that’s fun for everyone.

JCPenney

Share in the #SoWorthit fun on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 

 

JCPenney Launches The Boutique+ for Real Sizes

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JCPenney continues to revolutionize the shopping experience with The Boutique, a new way for women with curves to find fashion-forward clothing. Once again, mamachallenge is thrilled to collaborate with JCPenney to share how The Boutique+ will change shopping for everyone.

Fact: The average American woman weighs 140 pounds and wears a size 12-14.

So why is it that so many of us average ladies have to look so hard to not just find clothing, but find clothing that doesn’t resemble either a mumu, tablecloth or a tent?


What if trying on clothes didn’t have to be a total beat down that made you feel like a big pile of crap on the inside and the out? 

Yes, what if? 

Teaming up with Project Runway’s Ashley Nell Tipton, the first plus-size designer to win the reality TV competition, launched its first-ever private brand designed exclusively for the plus-size woman called Boutique+™. 

The Boutique+ is a plus-size lifestyle collection created for the fashion conscious millennial shopper. The brand was conceived by a dedicated team of design, trend and product experts whose focus is to ensure the looks of Boutique+ complement girls with curves, sizes 0x-4x and 16W-30W in stores and online. (Up to 5x is available online.)

#HereIAm

Earlier today at theCURVYcon, the event that brings plus-size Brands and influencers together in NY to talk “the would of curv,” JCPenney unveiled a powerful video centering around positive body image in every size and to show that shape doesn’t define the woman. 

Makes you think, right? And what about a clothing brand that isn’t about just trying to sell whatever shirt, skirt or pants that you can button, but instead a lifestyle that makes you want to show off what you have in a way that makes you feel like you? 

#HEREIAM

As a gal that has always battled with her weight, self image and self worth, having place to not just shop, but to find looks you’ll want to wear and that make you feel good, inside and out is life changing. Of course, since most women share those curvier sizes, that means more women have been searching for a shopping destination just like this. Now JCPenney has created it, along with a new movement that being you is beautiful, which the brand is branding as #HereIAm on social media. You are invited to join in the conversation by following the hashtag along with JCPenney on social: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.   

#HereIAm

Face it, plus-size women have a “trifecta of primary apparel needs” – style, fit and price. With the new Boutique+, JCPenney is offering a brand that meets all three needs giving her a brand that’s worth her time and effort. And that makes her feel good, look good, and have a good day. 

What do you think about The Boutique #HereIAm Campaign? 

 

 

JCPenney Says MOM is #SoWorthIt For Mother’s Day

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Ever used Pinterest for an idea and then when you clicked on the how-to link, wished there was someone to help? MamaChallenge recently partnered with JCPenney to bring their Pinterest boards to life with live demonstrations just in time for Mother’s Day as part of their #SoWorthIt campaign! 

I’ve always wanted to be Oprah. 

Who doesn’t, right? 


#SoWorthit

Last weekend I had the chance to “play Oprah” as the emcee of JCPenny’s #SoWorthit Mother’s Day live demonstration event at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As part of a nationwide, 10 location campaign, bloggers like me, Dallas Single Mom and several others, played the part of hostess with the mostest, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 for some very Pinteresting fun!

JCPAdAge

(Photo of display in Ad Age.)

After two days on stage, I has the opportunity to gift all the merchandise (check out the Pinboard display below) to those who stopped by the stage to enjoy our presentation, which included a deserving mom that we pulled from the audience to get a makeover. Team members from the Sephora Inside JCPenney, applied a smoky eye and beautiful red lip look while giving tips to the audience how they could do it at home or come get a 15 mini-makeover from the store anytime for free. 

I literally said the words, “You get a car…and you get a car…and you get a car,” while I was on stage.

Of course, this was just in the “heat of the moment” and reminded the audience while it wasn’t a car, we were giving away great items perfect for Mother’s Day including shoes, necklaces, and a Chi flatiron. That flatiron actually prompted many audience members to “show what they were working with” with an impromptu dance off. 

I only wish I had gotten that picture! 

However, I did snap a few of the dresses I found at JCPenney and wore on stage. The first one here is from R&K Sleeveless Chiffon Maxi Dress. I normally wouldn’t wear something bright and floral, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I felt great all day long and it was definitely a show stopper. Don’t you think? (and under $50.)

The next day was one of those dresses that is perfect for any occasion with this Tiana B. Sleeveless Colorblock Fit and Flare. With just a hint of pink, it was a homerun that I’m sure I’ll be wearing often – especially since it was $39.99 without coupons or special sale!

SephoraInsideJCPenney#SoWorthIt

While I was on stage sharing tips with the audience, I was learning along with them! For instance, I had never tried a lip stain (this one is Sephora’s own cream lip stain), but after 8 hours, two iced coffees, and some pretzel bites, it really stayed on. My lips were moist too, so this is a must-have if you have problems keeping your lip color on for more than an hour! 

JCPenney #SoWorthit

During the weekend we also gave away free samples, $10 off when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards, and even more coupons. It was lots of fun to play girlfriend all weekend giving out advice and learning from each other! However, JCPenney is making it easy to continue the inspiration and ideas on their Pinterest at pinterest.com/JCPenney anytime! 

Thank you to JCPenney for such a fun experience and for my Mother’s Day gift to reward other moms for all the work they do all the time – because we’re all #SoWorthIt. 

 

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