THE INSPIRATION
THE CREATION
THE CREATION
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Muffins
These Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are absolutely divine. I put them on a high pedestal are they claim to be healthy. Anything that I find that makes such serious allegations, has be skeptical. Tell me the last time you heard someone say Strawberry Shortcake and Healthy in the same sentence... not often lovlies... not often! I saw this recipe on Dashing Dish and couldn't stop myself from giving it a try. I had nothing to loose really... well other than a few extra pounds {and by a few I mean 30}. I've hoped on the Weight Watchers Wagon and so far so good. Actually so far excellent, lost 5lbs in 4 days. With this Strawberry Shortcake Muffin recipe I know this is going to be easy for me to stick to. As long as I have recipes that I enjoy, I see myself sticking to this lifestyle with ease!
Anyone have any Weight Watcher recipes they want to share? Or recipes that are Weight Watcher Friendly? I would love to have 'em and give them a whirl.
Friday, July 27, 2012
5 Things...
I do my very best to snap shots of everything in my week, I know I'm going to want to be reminded of. Outfits I love, Food I shouldn't be having, Sofia Marie doing almost anything... you know the important things in life. This week was a little short on the instagrams but I think all that I did catch in stills were 'magic'. Enjoy my entire week all summed up into 5 instagram images... why? Because it's Friday, that's why!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Spot the Steal: Statement Necklace
Bib Necklaces and accessories that make a statement are quite hot this year, taking us through Winter now into Spring and Summer. I don't see it going anywhere this upcoming Fall either. Today's Spot the Steal is all about the 'look at me' necklace. Its really one of my favorite ways to wear accessories, loud and luxurious. With one of these necklaces chiming in at $355 the other comes in a whopping $17. Tell me lovelies, can you Spot the Steal? I'm not going to lie, I'm crushing over todays 'steal', and because this is such a rare occurance, I think I'm going to have to go ahead and buy it.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
What I Wore...to the Oscars
If I were ever so lucky enough to walk the 'red carpet' at the Oscars... I think I would have to wear something exceptionally Glamorous. Safe {as it would be my first time gracing the walkway}, Elegant but extreme Glamour. Safe is something normally not in my fashion vocab, however small added details such as the Bumble Bee Brooch that I would pin to the belt would give me a bit of edge on "other safe players" like Jennifer Aniston. The cost of this outfit is just shy of $10,000 so let's be honest, this dream of mine, I also better be a contender for Best Actress in a Drama.
What would you wear to the Oscars?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Baby Beauty Routine...
.... based on the title, betcha came here hot and ready to 'rip a stip' off me for putting make-up on my 10 month old. Common lovelies, since when did I say you could call me a 'pageant mom'.... gimmi another year and then maybe I will deserve this title!
What I'm really here to talk about is how to keep a Beauty Routine when you're a mother. Sounds like a simple task... put baby down, ask her to stay, shower, shave legs, paint nails, apply face and retrieve in the same spot you left her.....bNow that you're back from laughing so hard you pee'd a little? Welcome.... since having Sofia Marie I have nailed down a Beauty Routine that has me always leaving the house feeling fresh, beautiful and alive. Three things not all mother's feel most days. I honestly believe that with these 5 simple steps, you will be strutting your way out the door feeling like a million dollars. All while sporting your most beautiful accessory of all... your babies!
Here are 5 ways to tackle a Mama Beauty Routine...
1. Cuddle and Refresh
I find when Sofia Marie first wakes, I am able to get my morning cuddles in bed for about 15 minutes - then I sneak away to our en-suite bathroom, letting her finish the Cartoon while I put my face on. Literally. Wash, Cream, Prime, and on to my 5 Minute Make-Up Face. All while I keep my eyes on her, a Win Win for all involved.
2. The Five Minute Face
Unless you walk the red carpet daily, a 5 minute natural face is all you need. I go as simple as Cream, Foundation, Blush, Mascara. That's it that's all. Keep it simple, natural and beautiful. Their are some fabulous 5 minute face tutorials on youtube, but this is my favorite by the ever so gorgeous and mother of 4 Kandee Johnson:
3. Conceal with Green
Simply put... buy an incredible concealer. You'll need it those days that rest just wasn't possible. If I look in the mirror and look rested I can trick myself into feeling this way. Mind over matter baby! Mind over matter. The concealer I bought also have a 'green magic cream' as I call. Its fantastic for any reddish areas on your face as I have on my cheeks and sides of my face. It makes a huge difference if you apply prior to putting your foundation on. Here is the duo I have, purchased locally for about $12 at Shoppers Drug Mart.
4. Overdose on Aqua
Now, this may not seem like a Beauty Routine... but here is how I squeeze it into the mix. I drink enough water that keeps my face and body clear. I feel great, my skin looks great and this just adds to my overall being and feeling day in day out. Even without much sleep, I look rested thank to water.... and concealer!
{not going to lie, silk sheets make you do weird things... I suggest just getting the pillow cases}
Silk Sheets is not only luxurious feeling when your smuggling into bed, but its also very smart. Your head rests, or doesn't rest much thanks to a teething baby, while laying on a pillow case. Make that a silk pillow case and you'll find your hair to be in much better shape, and form, when you wake. An absolute must for my curly haired beauties out there, but also very valuable for everyone in between. Your head is constantly moving all night, while it moves positions on a cotton case it mats and frizzes our hair, however lay down on a silk case and you'll notice far less breakage, frizz and fuzzing in the mornings. It will take you no time at all to look paparazzi ready.
My favorite products at the moment if you are dying to know are:
Primer: Avon's MagiX Face Protector
Green Cream & Concealer: Physicians Formula Concealer
Foundation: Annabelle SkinTrue
Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash
I find that Tea is another thing that makes my day go that much smoother, however not everyone is as addicted to Earl Grey as I am, so I left that out. But I always make sure that while I'm putting on my face, I'm sippin' from my finest china.... makes me feel important and worthy of the time I spend on myself!
Anything I missed lovelies? I would love to hear what you mama's do to get yourself out the door and feeling good. Don't keep it a secret... It's not nice... your nose might fall off. So my mother told me! Only Kidding..... Just tell me!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Dreamy Peanut Butter Pie
Be prepared to go to Peanut Butter Dream Land in 5...4...3...2...1
This Peanut Butter Pie is beyond scrumptious, its heavenly really. Teasing the mind into thinking its healthy with its light and airy texture, don't be fooled lovelies, this will pack on the pounds faster than you can say 'elastic waistband pants'. Consider this a warning!
I'm almost certain you will not have tasted a Peanut Butter Pie quite like this one, and if you did, tell mama I say 'hi'. Its one of those feel good desserts that only our mama's make leaving us wishing we could bake like her. Well...wish no more lovelies... welcome to Peanut Butter Pie Heaven; population chubby!
What you'll need:
- 5 oz Cream Cheese | softened
- 1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar
- 1/3 cup Peanut Butter | smooth
- 8 oz Cool Whip | thawed
- 1 Graham Cracker Pie Crusts
- 1 Cadbury's Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Bar | chopped
- 1/3 cup Chocolate Chips, Milk Chocolate
Mix together Cream Cheese and Confections' Sugar until smooth
Add Peanut Butter and mix until blended
Hand mix in the Cool Whip and chopped Hersey's Chocolate Bar until all combined, taking on a very pale 'tan' color
Spoon into Graham Cracker Crust and smooth out with the back of a spoon
Sprinkle with the remainder of your chopped Chocolate Bar
Refrigerate until firm, about 2 to 3 hours
*About 1 hour in, microwave your Chocolate Chips for 45 seconds, Drizzle on top and place back in the fridge for the remainder of the firming time
PS: I apologize for the first few images, the lighting in my kitchen is horrible. I'll work on getting that fixed.
GAH - so sorry - I hate a crappy picture as much as the next blogger!
PS: I apologize for the first few images, the lighting in my kitchen is horrible. I'll work on getting that fixed.
GAH - so sorry - I hate a crappy picture as much as the next blogger!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Back to School with Little Woods
Back to school preparation guide
From pencils to textbooks, uniforms to
lunchboxes, the back to school rush is a hectic time for any family. Whether
you have one child or five, the key to having them ready to learn in the new
term is preparation. This year, avoid the September madness with this simple
preparation list. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing your little ones are
ready for all of the fun and challenges a new term can bring.
Fun filing
The amount of work sheets and paper children
are sent home with can be little daunting, regardless of whether they’re in
primary school or completing their A-levels. Make sure the paperwork is easy to
find later down the line with a fun filing system. There are a wide range of
funky colours and patterns available on folders, so teach them the benefits of
colour-coding straight away. Why not go green for homework, red for class notes,
and purple for handouts?
Stockpile
Don’t get caught out the night before
a school project is due. Stockpiling plenty of arts and crafts items in bulk
saves money, and steers your family clear of any school project disasters. Items
to keep in stock are colourful sheets of cardboard, plenty of permanent markers,
and maybe some glitter or craft decorations.
Fashion forward
Finding school uniform accessories
that kids are happy to wear can be a bit of a challenge, particularly for
teenagers. When purchasing school shoes, it can be particularly tricky to find
a balance between adhering to school uniform policies and finding footwear that
children feel confident and happy about wearing. The classic Littlewoods Kickers school shoes range strikes a nice balance between fashion and comfort, even for
the fussiest child.
Luxury lunchboxes
If you have a son or daughter who is a
notoriously fussy eater, half the solution might be in the presentation. Nearly
all school children eat in a group, and the lunchtime experience can be a bit
of a culinary fashion show. If you’re a busy parent, take a bit of a shortcut
by selecting a fun and funky lunchbox style that your child will be proud to
show off. For teenage girls, why not go
for a lunchbox in a pretty purse design? There’s also a great range of cooler
bag styles with separate sandwich compartments to keep lunches and drinks cool
and fresh during the summer months.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Feature: Cycling in Style
Little Miss Mama Lovelies!
... let me introduce you to Lisa. Another one of my beloved blogger besties. Her and I had decided to do a blog swap and post for one another about both our passion combined. As you all know, I love Fashion and well Lisa, she loves Cycling... combined we give you Cycling gone Chic. I posted here on her Blog, The Sprog, with a fashionable outfit that you could easily bike down the catwalk in. Today, Lisa shares with us a more practical yet extremely fashionable ways to cycle in style. Not only that, she included a video on how to ride with this years hottest trend, a Maxi. Seriously? How cool is Lisa?
Cycling in Style
Cycling is not just a sport--it's a great way to get around town & stay fit at the same time! It's the most energy-efficient way to travel--it doesn't get any greener than this. So... when was the last time you went for a ride? Don't worry--there's no need to wear head-to-toe spandex like you just escaped the Tour de France peloton.Here are my top tips for riding in style:
Leggings & skinny jeans {with lots of stretch} are your friend. I don't recommend low-rise--you probably don't want to flash cleavage back there!You can ignore #1! There's no reason you can't wear a skirt or a dress. If it's a loose short skirt, just wear undies you're proud of! ;) Check out this video tutorial on how to get your maxi dress out of harm's way for a ride.
Flats are good, but heels are totally possible. I am currently coveting these Merrell Evera sandals. They've got a reinforced arch & grippy sole designed for cycling.
Choose hip-length tops, jackets or vests to avoid them riding up above your waistline.
Bring along something to clean your hands with. You may get road grime on your fingers from your lock & you don't want to get the black smudges on your clothes. Wet Naps or a damp cloth in a zip-loc works great.
If helmets are mandatory where you live, don't forget your skid lid. I've got a pretty sporty one, but there's a huge range of looks out there. For funky helmets that don't look like helmets, check out Yakkay helmets & covers.
Pull your hair back before putting your helmet. Unless you have totally straight hair or really curly hair, this will help avoid helmet-head from having it flattened downward.
Be sure to wear some sunglasses--something close-fitting while stylish. A little protection for your eyes will keep you from tearing up in the wind & making your mascara run. MEC's Bela are my go-to glasses.
Hope this inspires you to get out your bike, dust it off & go for a ride! See you on the road!
~Lisa
For a little more on biking & life with a toddler, DIY, book & product reviews, plus the occasional giveaway...
Check out my blog, The Sprog
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter @blauelibelle
Come pin with me on Pinterest
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Spot the Steal: Sexy Lace
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
What I Wore: Blue Vintage
What I Wore... while walking the tracks with a friend.
Hasn't your mother ever told you not to play on the train tracks? Not mine!
I'm not going to lie this shoot couldn't have been more staged. I wanted to get the most amazing pictures for my lovelies, showing just how beautiful it is to wear vintage. I've never shopped vintage clothing before, not going to say I have not had a burning desire to. When the beautiful Brianna from Bre's Baubles contacted me about getting me into something Vintage I couldn't say 'YES' any quicker. All she required was my measurements and she worked her magic. Finding me the perfect blue dress.... pleated shoulders, side buttoned top and gorgeously snug fitting skirt. I'm in Vintage Heaven!
What I Wore
Dress: c/o Bre's Baubles Vintage
Shoes: Joe Fresh
Belt: H&M
Purse: Designer on a Dime DIY
Necklace: lia sophia c/o Erika Scott
Sunglasses: c/o Firmoo
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BE INSPIRED
Don't pass up shopping Vintage or Second Hand, you never know what you are going to find
Make your next clutch... Designer on a Dime style
Mix old with new when you wearing Vintage to make your look more modern
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Interested in getting a piece of Bre's Baubles Vintage?
Shop with Bre
Read with Bre
Tweet with Bre
Pin with Bre
Stalk with Bre
Wanna see where I've linked up this week?
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