Glamamom Named to Mary Kay Glam Squad

May 17, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

I’m thrilled to share some particularly glamorous news!

In honor of beauty pioneer Mary Kay Ash’s birthday this month, Mary Kay® is keeping her empowering and inspirational vision alive with the formation of the all-new Mary Kay® Glam Squad℠, a team of renowned makeup artists, skin care specialists, beauty and fashion bloggers, and celebrity stylists.  And I made the squad!

Just as Mary Kay enriched the lives of millions by sharing her wisdom, as a member of the Mary Kay® Glam Squad℠ I’ll be providing my unique insight on the latest tips, tricks and trends happening in the beauty world, and collaborating with this distinguished list of esteemed specialists:

Daneen Baird, beauty blogger: Finding a way to mix her love for cosmetics and knack for social media, Daneen Baird created beauty blog SpoiledPretty.com to serve up the hottest beauty and fashion trends. Daneen invites all to take a sneak peek into her virtual beauty closet for beauty product reviews, makeup techniques, industry news, celebrity interviews and more and has been featured in outlets such as Glamour, Ladies’ Home Journal, iVillage.com, TeenVogue.com and on Philadelphia-area TV shows.

Luis Casco, celebrity makeup artist: A premier makeup artist with a Latin flair, Luis Casco routinely spends his days jet-setting from his home in Hollywood, CA to work with some of the most beautiful faces around the world, like Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum and Penelope Cruz. No stranger to working in front of the camera, Luis has appeared on shows on both English-and-Spanish-language networks to share his extensive beauty knowledge, including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “The Tyra Banks Show,” The E! Network, MTV and Telemundo.

Suzi Grgurich, celebrity stylist: Suzi Grgurich is a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist with a flair for fashion who has served as the lead stylist for the Style Network for the last three years. Her creation of show-stopping looks for television, advertisements and celebrities have earned her a spot amongst the style elite and given her the opportunity to use beauty to complete any fashion-forward look.

Dr. Lori M. Hobbs, dermatologist: Dr. Lori Hobbs takes the science of skin to the next level as a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist. With expertise in a range of skin-related specialities, she has successfully completed fellowships at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Lori Hobbs holds the key to the fountain of youth for her celebrity clientele, making her one of the most sought-after dermatologists in her field.

Maria Lekkakos, master aesthetician: This former Miss Massachusetts takes the crown when it comes to flawless skin. Her experience as a master aesthetician and spa owner in the Boston area have laid the foundation for her work with top celebrities, including Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields, Rosario Dawson and Marcia Cross.

Virginia Linzee, celebrity makeup artist: Celebrity makeup artist Virginia Linzee credits her skill in makeup artistry to her previous experiences as a painter.  In addition to her New York City celebrity clientele, Virginia has created the looks for top fashion shows, including Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and Anna Sui. She has also kept the faces of some of today’s top recording artists, including Cobra Starship and Drake, ready for the stage.

Marissa Nemes, celebrity makeup artist: Known for her iconic, clean and classic makeup style, Marissa Nemes knows what it takes to create timeless beauty and finds inspiration for her looks in vintage glamour, nature’s beauty and brilliant architecture. As a Miami-based celebrity makeup artist, Marissa has provided styling for top TV shows and movies, and has worked with some of the industry’s hottest stars like Faith Hill, Mariah Carey and Olivia Munn.

Ashunta Sheriff, celebrity makeup artist: A master of everything makeup, Ashunta Sheriff is a New York City makeup artist with diverse and extensive experience ranging from editorial, to runway and red carpet. Ashunta has a knack for simplifying even the most complex runway looks, providing easy-to-follow tips for creating looks at home. Celebrity clientele include Alicia Keys, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Marisa Tomei and Usher, to name a few.     

Susan Trumpbour, beauty blogger: Susan Trumpbour is the founder of beauty blog My Beautyberry and the weekly “Beautyflash” e-newsletter. Her experience as a beauty editor, cosmetics product development executive and trend consultant gained her a wealth of information that she filters into My Beautyberry. Susan spends hours scouring stores and talking to professionals for both unexpected and classic beauty finds, all of which she shares with readers, along with beauty news and new product launches.

Lawrence “Lo” VonRumpf, celebrity stylist: A Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist, Lawrence “Lo” VonRumpf has a passion for personal branding and a keen eye for style. His expertise in in-house styling for Burberry, Jean Paul Gaultier and Theory brands makes him an expert in all things couture, as well as a master on the latest fashion and beauty trends.

I’m so excited you’ll be joining me on this new journey.  A bevy of beauty and fashion resources means fresh editorial content on Glamamom, potential videos, reviews, giveaways, Twitter parties, and more.   Stay tuned…

{I was not compensated for this post. My paid activities on behalf of the Mary Kay Glam Squad will always be disclosed.}

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Chelsea Welcomes 16 Handles {Grand Opening 5/17}

May 16, 2012 in NYC

16 Handles, New York City’s first self-serve frozen yogurt shop, is opening its newest Manhattan location a few blocks from Chez Glamamom, at 19th Street and Eighth Avenue in Chelsea, this Thursday, May 17th.

What started out in 2008 as a single store in the East Village, has since grown to 22 locations city-wide, offering 100 rotating  flavors, 16 available for self-serve each day.  And lots of toppings options.  Rainbow cookie crumble anyone?

We got a sneak peek of the new Chelsea digs last weekend at a small blogger preview with hands-on fro-yo sandwich making, and I’m happy to report 16 Handles Chelsea is both Bubba- and Glamamom-approved.

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest ice cream fan, no less frozen yogurt, but I was pleasantly surprised by the great taste and uniqueness of flavors like “Birthday Cake” and “Greek Honey Yogurt with Sour Cherry.”  I skipped the traditional flavors but Bubba has consumed several chocolate flying saucers since then, and seems quite pleased.  The fact that you serve yourself is the cherry on top for that little guy and he’s been begging to go back ever since.

Also cool, 16 Handles uses cornstarch spoons and biodegradable cups, and composts and recycles whenever possible. The company partners with Trees for the Future, planting 16 trees each day (over 70K so far).

The new location officially opens tomorrow with 16% off purchases to celebrate, so if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by and “flaunt your flavor.”

16 Handles, 178 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street

{I was not compensated for this post. We received a gift bag for attending the preview.}

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Beauty 411: #BeautyGiftCard Twitter Party, 5/15

May 14, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

I’ve teamed up with our friends at Beauty.com and Social Moms to host a fun and informative Twitter party tomorrow night– Tuesday, May 15, 2012.  We hope you can join us as we talk about spring and summer beauty tips and tricks!  You’ll be entered for a chance to win great prizes just by participating with the #beautygiftcard hashtag during the party. We’ll chat about summer beauty trends, nail art, skin care, beauty tips and tricks, and more!

Please be sure to follow @socialmoms @glamamom @Beautydotcom before the party!

We’ll have an extra special announcement the day of the party.  So don’t miss out on all the fun!

DATE: May 15, 2012
TIME: 7-8 pm EST / 4-5pm PST
HASHTAG: #beautygiftcard
HOSTS: @socialmoms @glamamom
SPONSOR: @Beautydotcom

PRIZES!
We’re giving away sixteen $25 Beauty.com gift cards to our random winners. Eight $25 Beauty.com gift cards will be awarded to participants tweeting an invitation to their followers before the party using the #beautygiftcard hashtag, and eight $25 Beauty.com gift cards will be awarded to participants tweeting with the #beautygiftcard hashtag during the party. (Please see pre-party official rules and Twitter party official rules.)

Click to Tweet an invite to your followers for a chance to win prizes!

RSVP here.

Random drawing winners will be notified within 24 hours of the event via DM or @ reply on Twitter. Please make sure you are following the hosts so we can contact you.

Click here for instructions on how to participate in the Twitter Party.

About Beauty.com – The World of Beauty Online®
Beauty.com, Inc. is a leading online destination for prestige beauty products. The web store provides a highly personalized shopping experience and offers more than 350 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products.

Site-wide gifts with purchase are just one of the perks available to Beauty.com customers. Other benefits include “Everyday Free Shipping,” 5% back on every purchase with drugstore.com dollars™, the free sampling center, 100% color guarantee on eligible products, and a shared online shopping cart with Beauty.com partner site, www.drugstore.com™. The Beauty.com web store personalizes beauty shopping online with the skin care and hair care diagnostic tools, which provide product regimens tailored to the customer based on interactive surveys.  Beauty fans can also get the latest tips, trends, and promotions sent directly to their email by signing up for the free weekly Beauty Bulletin on Beauty.com.

Look forward to Tweeting with you!

{My participation in the Twitter Party is paid.}

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Mode Monday: R Baby Foundation Food & Wine Gala

May 14, 2012 in LIFESTYLE


[dress: nom for belly dance maternity c/o / earrings: on loan from melinda maria jewelry / bracelet: lia sophia c/o / clutch: diane von furstenberg / hair: federico salon / make-up: alison raffaele cosmetics / with honoree & my stylist for the evening, julia beck of forty weeks in j. mendel, and jessica shyba of momma's gone city in lauren by ralph lauren]

Happy Monday lovelies.  Hope you had a spectacular Mother’s Day weekend!  The weather was at its best in NYC and Bubba’s abuelos were in town for a visit.  I narrowly escaped losing my marbles but I’ll save my toddler/pregnancy complaints for another time.

Hope you enjoyed the little peek inside the R Baby Foundation Food & Wine Gala I attended last week at The Plaza with my fellow R Baby Mom Ambassadors. It was a swanky affair but for a super important cause- to raise awareness that Emergency Departments in the U.S. are ill-equipped to deal with babies and children and honor those that are working to spread the word and further the foundation’s reach.

There were photo booths and food stations from 5-star restaurants like Per Se, Gramercy Tavern, and Aureole, and touching commentary from founders Phyllis and Andrew Rabinowitz, key note speaker Edward M. Kennedy Jr., guest speaker Tim Zagat, compassion speaker Sandie O’Connor (treasurer of J.P.Morgan), and our very own, honoree Julia Beck.

Julia and I met earlier in the day for a styling session at Belly Dance Maternity, a great little boutique in the West Village that carries uber-stylish maternity wear.  We chose this NOM for Belly Dance Maternity maxi dress because we knew we could style the hell out of it and that it would get tons more wear throughout the summer.

As a “thank you” for our contributions to the foundation, we had our hair done by stylists from Federico Salon and make-up from artists at Alison Raffaele Cosmetics in The Plaza’s Champagne Suite.  How do you like my pompadour?  Glamamom at The Plaza!

If you haven’t yet signed the petition to demand improved pediatric emergency care, please take 30 seconds to do so.  We’re thrilled the social media campaign has already garnered over 2,000 signatures.  Behold the power of blogging mamas!

Huge thanks to Julia Beck and Rebecca Levey for introducing me to R Baby and including me in this important and much-needed campaign.

Have a glamorous week!

If you’re linking up with Monday Mingle, Momtrends is hosting this week with a LABEL+thread giveaway. I’m also linking up with The Pleated Poppy. “Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

{Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received a complimentary invitation to the gala as an ambassador and a gift bag. Photos courtesy of Michael Jurick.}

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REMBRANDT tHERSday

May 12, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

In partnership with Glam Media, REMBRANDT® hosted a little soiree this past tHERSday at Townhouse Spa to help kick start our summer beauty routines with manis, pedis, massages, and an introduction to the new REMBRANDT® INTENSE STAIN® Stain Dissolving Strips.

I hadn’t seen my girls Yakini, Tineey, and Jinna since Fashion Week and was giddy catching up over “stain-themed” bites and moc/cocktails, and fooling around in the REMBRANDT photo booth:

REMBRANDT® INTENSE STAIN® Stain Dissolving Strips promise to noticeably whiten tough surface stains like coffee, tea and wine, and conveniently dissolve on teeth in just 5 to 10 minutes. My caffeine and wine habits have definitely taken their toll on my teeth so I can’t wait to try them for maintenance. Stay tuned…

{Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Event attendees received a gift bag including complimentary REMBRANDT products for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are my own and are not indicative of those of REMBRANDT.}

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Shabby Apple {Giveaway}

May 11, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

I’ve been terribly delinquent with giveaways and you my dear readers, deserve more! So for the next few Fridays, I’ve lined up some fabulous prizes with easy peasy entries.

First up, is a $50 Shabby Apple gift card for one lucky fashionista.

Shabby Apple is an online retailer offering vintage-inspired clothing and accessories, including adorable maternity and children’s wear. I have yet to purchase anything for the bump so let me know what you think.

TO ENTER: “Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook, then visit the website and tell me what item you might use the gift card towards.

I’ll randomly choose a winner in a week. Open to U.S. residents only.  Good luck!

{Disclosure: Glamamom is an affiliate of Shabby Apple. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas From TOUS {Sponsored}

May 10, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

Well Ladies, we’re down to the wire.  Speak now or forever hold your peace.

What’s on your wishlist for Mother’s Day?

Fellas, you still have plenty of time.  If you’re planning a non-material gift like breakfast in bed or letting your lady sleep in, that’s lovely and I speak from experience when I say those types of gifts are much appreciated!  But if you’re looking to bring the “glam” to the special mama in your life, I have other suggestions.

Here are some little luxuries that speak to Glamamoms:

1. “Stitch” Toiletry Bag, $55
2. Bovine Leather “Rose” Collection Handbag, $635
3. 18Kt Yellow Gold “Kudara” Ring with Lemon Quartz, Peridote, Amethyst, Pink Quartz, Cultured Pearl & Blue and Pink Opal, $759
4. “Sensual” Perfume, $65
5. “Eugenia” “Cercle” Collection Earrings with Blue Agates, $105
6. 18kt Yellow Gold “Love Mom” Bracelet, $415 / Sterling Silver “Love Mom,” $125
7. Sterling Silver”Love Mom” Pendant, $155
8. TOUS Colors Shiny Lip Gloss, $35
9. Silk “Akira” Tye Shawl, $155
10. TOUS “Drive” Watch, Stainless Steel, $409

I’ve walked passed TOUS in Soho and their new boutique in Rock Center dozens of times and something sparkly always catches my eye.   Could be the bear mascot.  Between us, Leo and I affectionately call each other “bear.”  Or maybe it’s those sexy ads starring international spokes-Glamamom Jennifer Lopez.

In any case, I was thrilled to be asked to pick my favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas from their extensive collection of exquisitely crafted jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, fragrance and beauty.

TOUS has been in the jewelry game since 1920 and offers gorgeous gifts to commemorate any occasion but especially Mother’s Day.

Oh, and it’s okay if you do a little window shopping for yourself too.  Father’s Day is just around the corner.

 

 

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by TOUS via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are mine and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of TOUS.}

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R Baby Foundation: Improving Pediatric Emergency Care & Saving Babies’ Lives

May 7, 2012 in MOTHERHOOD

Did you know that your local ER may or may not be prepared to treat your child?

I was floored to learn from R Baby Foundation, established in 2006 to organize and fund efforts to improve the outcomes of medical care for infants, that emergency medical services and emergency departments in the U.S. are not well equipped to handle pediatric care.

Only 6% of Emergency Departments in the U.S. have the necessary supplies for pediatric emergencies.

Yes, you read that correctly, only 6%!  In fact, babies born in the U.S. are twice as likely to die than in many other developed countries, including Sweden, Japan and Spain (the United States is ranked 36th among 196 nations).  Here are the disheartening, contributing factors:

  • Most children receive emergency care in general (not children’s) hospitals, which are less likely to have pediatric expertise, equipment, and policies in place for the care of children.
  • Many drugs and medical devices have not been adequately tested on, or dosed properly for, children – including babies.
  • Although pediatric skills deteriorate quickly without practice, continuing education in pediatric care is not required or is extremely limited for many pre-hospital emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Learning these stats was sobering, to say the least. Even more so, was participating in the #RBabyMoms Twitter awareness party last month and learning how many friends and colleagues have had nightmare ED experiences with their babies like nurses that had never done a catheter on an infant before (read this one several times).

One of my first actions upon learning these deficiencies was to identify which hospital ED we would go to if needed.  Are you prepared for a trip to the emergency room? Do you know which hospital you would bring your child to in an emergency?  Is it a children’s hospital?  You need to plan in advance.

Here are the recommended items and information to have on hand and always remember that you need to be an advocate for your child, ask questions, and never assume.

I’m honored to have participated in this PSA alongside fellow bloggers and will be attending Wednesday’s sold-out Food & Wine Gala at The Plaza to honor my friend Julia Beck of Forty Weeks, among others.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Please sign this petition to implement ED standards across the country and share it.
  • Share your story on RBabyFoundation.org.
  • Make a donation if you can.  It’s important to note that 90% of R Baby’s funds go directly to programs and initiatives, not administration.
  • Give back with Glassbaby. Ten percent of proceeds benefit R Baby.

{I was not compensated for this post.}

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Mode Monday: BravadoMama Model Search

May 6, 2012 in MOTHERHOOD

Happy Monday Fashionistas! I’m fresh off the plane from Mom 2.0 in Key Biscayne and can’t wait to show and tell BUT I have some exciting news…

[the essential nursing tank c/o bravado designs / jeans: a pea in the pod / cardigan: eileen fisher / bracelet c/o lia sophia / bag: marc by marc jacobs / sandals: stuart weitzman]

Maternity and nursing bras and tanks designer Bravado Designs is celebrating its first customers 20 years ago, as well as the next generation of new moms to come, by conducting a BravadoMama Model Search and Kristin of BonBon Rose Girls and I are the judges selecting the twenty finalists alongside Bravado!

Move over Tyra and Nigel!

CALLING ALL EXPECTANT & NURSING MOMS: Focusing on real mothers, Bravado is searching for one of several new faces to represent BravadoMamas everywhere.  As part of the Grand Prize, one BravadoMama will receive:

  • A two-day trip to Toronto, Ontario for themselves and a partner/friend
  • Airfare, hotel, and meals
  • A Bravado Designs photo shoot including hair and make-up
  • A new Bravado wardrobe

TO APPLY: There are three ways to enter.

  1. Tell Bravado why you are a BravadoMama
  2. Create a Pinterest board showing how you embody the Bravado spirit (Tag your pins with #BravadoMamaSearch)
  3. Show how you are a BravadoMama by uploading a photo of yourself

APPLY HERE until midnight on Friday June 4th.

No purchase necessary. The selected BravadoMama will be announced in mid-June and final photography will be used on Bravado’s website and in marketing material across North America. Grand prize winner must be available on June 26 and 27, 2012 to travel to Toronto, Canada. Full rules and regulations here.

We can’t wait to see how you gorgeous mamas rock your Bravado!

If you’re linking up with #MondayMingle, welcome!  One participant this week will win a pair of Erickson Beamon + BaubleBar Pearl Jam Earrings.

UPDATE: Winner is #82, Mz. Savvy Style

Have a glamorous week!

{My participation in the BravadoMama Model Search is paid. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

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Maternity Style Icon | Nicole Richie {Sponsored}

May 3, 2012 in LIFESTYLE

I can always count on Nicole Richie for beauty and style inspiration. A true turn around glamour story, Ms. Richie embodies that bohemian/rocker-chic/California-girl style.

Her fashion didn’t suffer one bit during her two pregnancies either.  Here are some of my favorite maternity looks she rocked:

Sure, she’s extremely petite, even pregnant, but maxi dresses, cotton separates, prints, and funky accessories work for all body types.  I also love her minimal hair and makeup look with the bold eyes, nude lips, and messy up-dos.

Motherhood certainly suits Nicole Richie, doesn’t it?  Have you been watching Fashion Star?  I literally check in to see what she’s wearing.

I’m headed to Mom 2.0 in Key Biscayne today with a suitcase filled with new maternity-wear from Rosie Pope and a pea in the pod.  With a hotel full of a bloggers, hopefully I’ll get someone to take my picture for a solid personal style post.

Have a glamorous weekend!

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{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by TOYOTA via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of TOYOTA. Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11}

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