September 2017 – user's Blog!

September 28, 2017

Guest Essentials to Make Your Fall Wedding the Coziest Event of the Season

From foliage color tours to toasty bonfires, fall is a particularly romantic season — especially if you’re planning a wedding ceremony. Autumn is an ideal time to pull from natural elements, seasonal favorites and elevated extras to make your nuptials a party for wedding guests to remember. Here are five ideas — ranging from wedding favors to wedding decorations — to consider.

Play with Pumpkins

From lattes to storybook carriages, people go mad for pumpkin come fall. And although the idea may seem commonplace, there are plenty of possibilities to incorporate pumpkins into your wedding in a way that feels meaningful and special. Try artfully etching these gourds and lining them up to create a magical path, or carving initials into them as unique place settings. You can also play around with shape and size, crafting a centerpiece out of mini ’kins. Decorative pumpkins, such as this set from Oriental Trading Company, are affordable and easy to work with.

Decorative Minature Pumpkins
from Oriental Trading Company

Sweeten Up with S’mores

S’mores may seem like a summertime campfire staple, but they’re equally appreciated in colder months. Try incorporating them as a late-night pick-me-up for guests. Set up a fire pit and build a s’mores station for guests to help themselves to the saccharine sweet, and then send them home with a sweet treat like these Milk Chocolate Gourmet S’Mores from Macy’s. Elevate this idea by allowing your guests to light sparklers as they toast their marshmallows.

Milk Chocolate Gourmet S’mores
from Macy’s

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Blanket a Barn Venue

Barns lend themselves well to the crisp vibes of a fall wedding. A florist can help transform these eclectic spaces from a place where horses live to a fairy-tale setting for the most memorable night of your life. Experiment with twinkling lights, autumnal blooms and a rustic decor to really set the tone. You can also decorate with blankets for guests to get really comfy. These cozy gray blankets from Target are an affordable option.

Fuzzy Blanket
from Target

Heat Things Up with Hot Chocolate

Warm beverages are one of the simple luxuries of the fall season. We all look forward to curling up with a pumpkin spice latte or a frothy cappuccino come autumn. Bring the magic to your big day by setting up a hot chocolate or latte station for guests to help themselves. Stock up on toppings for hot chocolate — whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon and mix-ins. You can also create your wedding cocktails around a hot toddy theme. You can even send guests home with their own, such as this Hot Cocoa from Ghirardelli.

Hot Cocoa Mix
from Ghirardelli Chocolates

Send Your Guests Off Warmly

A fall wedding presents possibilities to customize the favors in step with the season. Keep guests feeling warm and toasty by giving them scarves, mittens or earmuffs. These sartorial goodies will keep them warm well into the winter and give them a loving reminder of your special day. We love the classic looks from L.L. Bean.

Irish Lamb’s Wool Scarf
from L.L. Bean

September 25, 2017

Adorable Fall Pieces for Your Little Pumpkin

Fall is by far my favorite style season. A chunky oversize sweater, boyfriend jeans and a brand-new pair of booties make for a very fresh outfit and a fashionable way to ring in cooler days and crisper nights. Of course, miniaturize these autumn essentials, and I’ll be over here drooling into my pumpkin spice latte. From flannel button-downs for babies to toddler-sized toggle cardigans and other sweet-as-pecan-pie kids’ clothes, seasonal style just doesn’t get any cuter. Or does it? We’ve rounded up a few favorite finds for your littlest love — your pint-size pumpkin and the apple of your eye.

Gap Apple Peplum Sweater

I like to dress my babies for any and every occasion (photo op!). So when we go apple picking, you better believe they’re wearing something shiny and red. This peplum sweater and tights set is as fresh and sweet as a Honeycrisp straight off the vine.

Gap Apple Peplum Sweater
from Gap

So ’Dorable Pumpkin-Leaf Knit Hat

If my kiddos wear apples while apple picking, they naturally rock pumpkin patterns at the patch. It can get a little chilly on the farm, so it’s important to protect your little pumpkin’s noggin with a cozy knit cap. This one is a must for your fall baby’s official photo shoot. (October birth announcement, anyone?)

So ’Dorable Pumpkin-Leaf Knit Hat
from Buy Buy Baby

Carter’s Varsity Jacket

Fall and back-to-school kids’ clothing go together like peanut butter and jelly — in a retro lunchbox, of course. I’m crushing hard on this dreamy miniaturized varsity jacket — so adorable for future homecoming kings.

Carter’s Varsity Jacket
from JC Penney

Old Navy Flannel Utility Shirt

Flannel material and plaid patterns go hand-in-hand for fall. Can’t you just picture your baby crunching leaves and taking his first steps in this utility shirt?

Old Navy Flannel Utility Shirt
from Old Navy

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Andy & Evan Toggle Cardigan

Every rising scholar needs an academic-inspired ensemble — even if he’s nowhere near ready for his first day of kindergarten. This very collegiate toggle cardigan — complete with elbow patches — pretty much screams, “Read to me!”

Andy & Evan Toggle Cardigan
from Bloomingdale’s

Spencer Fox Sweater Coat and Leggings Set

The woodland-creature trend is still going strong, and this sweater and leggings set is adorable for fall hikes in the Bjorn or leisurely nature strolls in the baby jogger.

Spencer Fox Sweater Coat and Leggings Set
from Kmart

Oshkosh Overalls

I’m so glad denim overalls are back. Why did they ever go away? This closet staple is a great layering piece for your baby — and even better if you have a matching pair.

Oshkosh Overalls
from JC Penney

Gymboree Pumpkin Dress

Pumpkins are the ultimate symbol of fall, because they last you through Thanksgiving. Your tulle-loving toddler can rock this harvest-inspired dress with a cardigan well into November. Children’s clothes girls will love and wear repeatedly all season long? Now that’s something to be grateful for.

Gymboree Pumpkin Dres
from Gymboree

September 15, 2017

Fresh in Five: 8 Post-Workout Products to Get You Gorgeous in Minutes

No more excuses. Now that the kids are back in school, this mama needs to get her booty back to the gym. Good to see you, old frenemy — it’s been a while. Of course, with a jam-packed day that includes drop-off, errands, work, meetings and, oh yeah, pickup (is it 3 p.m. already?), I don’t have hours to while away at the sauna or in the steam room. I have to time my fitness routine to a T. Forty minutes of cardio, five minutes of primping and I’m out the door and on my way to the next scheduled activity. But don’t worry: I never hit the carpool line or conference room looking anything less than polished or smelling anything other than peachy. Thanks to the veritable beauty counter in my gym bag, I’m ready to go from the elliptical to the elementary school in no time — and you can too! From face-cleaning wipes to streamlined, on-the-go makeup must-haves, these essentials will have you looking and feeling fresh in five minutes flat.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

These cucumber-infused face-cleaning wipes remove sweat, dirt and makeup without the need for water. With a simple swoosh and swipe, they cleanse, exfoliate and freshen your complexion. Plus, they smell like a trip to the spa — because who actually has time to lounge around with cucumbers on their eyes?

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

from Ulta Beauty

Caudalie Grape Water

Sure, you look and feel wet after an intense workout. But when you sweat, your body is literally losing water, which is why you need to drink and soak up all the H2O you can. After you’ve used your handy face-cleaning wipes, replenish that thirsty complexion with Caudalie Grape Water. With magical water-retaining powers, it intensely hydrates skin and instantly calms redness and sensitivity. Soothe your angry post-SoulCycle skin in seconds — because your body may be on fire, but your face doesn’t have to be.

Caudalie Grape Water

from Skin Store

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Mini

Your quest for the best dry shampoo ends here. This mini travel bottle needs to be with you at all times. It doesn’t just mask dirty hair — it actually cleans it. Exercise means sweat, and this amazing product absorbs and removes oil, perspiration and odor with a simple spritz. Plus, it smells like a dream and gives you a quick volume bump without the telltale powder residue some dry shampoos leave behind.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Mini

from Living Proof

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint SPF 30 Bundle

Say hello to the Dream Team. This powerful product pair works together to give your natural beauty a boost. After an intense workout, the last thing I want to do is layer on heavy makeup — so I love that this nifty twosome gives me a naturally flawless face. Use the Vital Greens Face Mist to hydrate and even tone, and then dab on some Triple Protection Skin Tint for subtle, buildable coverage. This five-minute makeup must-have is less about masking, more about enhancing.

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint SPF 30 Bundle

from Sephora

Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes

Sometimes an actual locker-room shower can’t happen. Who has the time, want or will to undress, dry off and redress — in public? Avoid those nasty public-shower germs altogether with these super-soft oversize body wipes. They’re pre-moistened to cleanse, refresh and naturally deodorize your body from head to toe. Made with refreshing peppermint and energizing citrus, these babies are as invigorating as they are effective.

Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes

from Sephora

DermaDoctor Med E Tate Antiperspirant Wipes

B.O. is not an option when you have places to go and people to see. Thankfully, these revolutionary (yes, revolutionary) topical wipes mimic the anti-sweating properties of Botox — minus the needle. With the highest potency of antiperspirant, you’ll be dry as a desert and fresh as a daisy faster than you can say, “No B.O.-tox.”

DermaDoctor Med E Tate Antiperspirant Wipes

from Dermstore

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

A simple daily face moisturizer is a must — and this one is a forever favorite. Made with rose water and rose flower oil, it continues to deliver hydration to the skin throughout the day.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

from Sephora

Rosebud Salve

One coat of mascara and a little lip balm and you’re out the door. There’s a reason Rosebud Salve is a tried-and-true cult classic. It heals, hydrates and adds glow to dry lips, cracked skin and minor irritations and burns. You can even use it on diaper rash — something we certainly hope you’re not dealing with at the gym.

Rosebud Salve

from Ulta Beauty

September 12, 2017

Quiz: What Hot Fall Trend Should You Rock This Season?

Shop the Results

4 Secrets to Growing Luscious Locks

Whether you’re recovering from a botched ’do or you simply aspire to the locks of a fairy-tale heroine, growing out your hair can be a long, laborious process. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make to expedite the growth. Here are four tried-and-true tips for longer, healthier hair.

Stock Up on Super Foods

Your diet has a major influence on your hair. Eating certain foods can leave your hair thicker, richer, fuller and healthier. For more lustrous locks, experts advise stocking up on eggs (a rich protein source), oysters (they’re full of zinc, which helps with hair loss) and carrots (they’re high in vitamin A, which keeps your hair healthy and hydrated). Other grocery-list must-haves: lentils, dark green veggies and salmon.

Sleep on Satin

Wearing your hair pulled up in a ponytail or bun can be damaging. It’s also ill-advised to sleep on a cotton pillowcase. Switching to a satin option can cause fewer tangles and result in much healthier hair long term.

For a glamorous option, try a SLIP Silk Pillowcase.

SLIP Silk Pillowcase
from Sephora

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Get Regular Trims

Hair grows roughly a half-inch each month. It can be tempting to skip regular trims — especially if it involves losing some of your length — but it’s wise to get a snip every three to four months. A great stylist can help you through the grow-out process by cutting only the dead ends, which should result in healthier-looking hair in the long run.

Try a Supplement

Although there’s no proof that hair-growth pills work, some people do experience a difference when they take a regular supplement designed to support healthier hair. One of the most well-known supplements on the market is biotin. Another option is fermented cod liver oils. These are rich in omega-3s, which support hair growth.

Try Country Life Biotin and Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil
from Walmart