LIFESTYLE Archives - Glamamom®

Glossybox / Bloglovin’ Breakfast

May 22, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

Bloglovin’, the website from which you can aggregate and read all of your favorite blogs, hosted an intimate breakfast late last week at one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Cafeteria, to introduce us to the subscription-based beauty box, Glossybox.

What makes Glossybox different from other subscription boxes is that its monthly beauty treats, delivered right to your door every month, are 5-6 luxury-sized cosmetic and wellness samples, which I personally prefer to tiny sample sizes. Subscriptions are available for 3, 6, and 12 months and run about $20/box, as well as special edition boxes like the Glossybox Mother’s Day 2013 Beauty Box we received at the breakfast (pictured above).

Other than Julep, which is nail-focused, I’ve never reviewed a beauty box before. I love the idea of a monthly surprise but I don’t travel much anymore so sample size products are just a pain to store. Glossybox is very appealing given the chance to try products for more than a few uses.

The Mother’s Day box includes among others: Estee Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Mascara, which I LOVE, Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment with Moringa Oil, ColorProof CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner, and Modelco Cheek & Lip Tint. Glossybox definitely makes a fun treat for you or as a gift for beauty lovers.

{I was not compensated for this post. I received a Glossybox for review purposes. Post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

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Mode Monday | Flower Power

May 13, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

[blazer, necklace, sandals: zara // tee: j.crew // jeans: uniqlo // belt: gap // bag: phillip lim // sunglasses: c/o bcbg // nails: essie "fifth avenue"]

Happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I was fortunate to spend the weekend surrounded by my boys, celebrating the beautiful women in my life, and reflecting on the crazy journey of motherhood. Being a mom is the hardest but best and most exciting thing I’ve ever done. I can’t help but love an occasion devoted to celebrating it.

I’m jumping on the floral trend this week. We’ve had some amazing spring weather here in New York and I’m enjoying every minute of it before it becomes unbearably hot. I was wearing this outfit on Friday to attend a wine and cheese mom’s night out hosted by Mommy Shorts and UrbanSitter but it was such a warm evening that the jacket was too much.

Saturday afternoon Sebastian and I enjoyed a private tour of the Central Park Zoo courtesy of UGG Australia. They have an adorable summer children’s line and invited us to have a look and let the kids test it out. Cute and comfy so check it out if you have little ones.

If you’re linking up #MondayMingle, welcome! One participant this week will win the Loco Stripe Wrap scarf from Echo.

Have a glamorous week!

“Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/personal style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

{Post contains affiliate links. Photos by Shannon Stiggins.}

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Striped {Sponsored}

May 2, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

I’ve had a blast hunting designer deals for less at T.J. Maxx these past 4+ weeks. With everything that life throws at me as a mom, I haven’t enjoyed shopping this much in a long while. Working on the MaxxStyle Scout campaign has renewed my love of browsing and trend spotting and may have permanently altered the way I think about shopping retail! I didn’t just find a few things but dozens upon dozens of high-end designer labels that I would normally have paid full price for, for 50, 60, and 70% off. The store in Chelsea is literally one avenue away from stores that are selling the exact same merchandise for more. Hard to go back after that realization!

In case you missed any of the prompts, week 1 was Ladylike, week 2 was Bold Colors, and week 3 was Black & White. This week’s final challenge was prints so I opted for bold, modern stripes. The look is head-to-toe T.J. Maxx, except the watch. I’m obsessed with this kimono sleeve top. It’s light, flowy, and very forgiving! White jeans are a warm weather staple for me so I picked up this designer pair which I know I will wear all summer long, as well as the mint bag, rosegold sandals, and white sunnies. Swap out the flats and jewelry and I could easily take this outfit from day to night.

As a reminder, you can share your own T.J. Maxx finds via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the designer and price of your score with the hashtag #maxxstyle to be entered to win weekly gift cards in the MaxxStyle Contest. Read here for official rules.

What do you think? How’d I do with the style challenges? Are you a MaxxStyle Scout?

Our MaxxStyle Scouts are making the latest trends their own, and sharing tips for ways to express yourself through fashion. You never know what you’ll find at TJ’s – the possibilities to express your personal style are endless.

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by T.J. Maxx via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of T.J. Maxx. Photos via Shannon Stiggins.}

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April 2013 on Babble Beauty

April 29, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

My favorite Babble Beauty posts this past month. Clickity click!

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Heidi Klum for New Balance {Sponsored}

April 24, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

There’s no better motivation to get out for a run than the gorgeous weather we’re experiencing here in NYC, a great playlist (currently listening to the David Guetta channel on Pandora), and stylish workout gear!

As a life-long runner, I really appreciate the evolution of activewear towards lifestyle-wear with a focus on comfort, versatility, and functionality.

As a busy mom of 4, it’s not surprising that Heidi Klum is back again with a new collection for New Balance designed to not only make you look good while working out, but also feel great doing it. A collision of sport and fashion, HKNB has moisture-wicking technologies in its performance clothing, while offering lifestyle pieces that can be layered and worn inconspicuously when you’re not working out.

The collection’s palette is a mix of neon, brights, and neutrals that are easily mixed and matched, and each piece has special little details like reflective strips and zip pockets. I really like the range of clothing I reviewed including the hoodie, tank, and capris shown above and a pair of ankle tights not shown. They’re all fitted and flattering with ruching and a mix of color or texture.

Hopefully the HKNB pieces will be as motivating for you as they have been for me!

If you pull the trigger on anything, be sure to show off your New Balance Heidi Klum looks via Twitter or Instagram using the #HKNB hashtag.

Demonstrating responsible leadership, New Balance builds global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. The Heidi Klum for New Balance partnership combines New Balance’s expertise in fit and form with Heidi Klum’s commitment to sophisticated style, to create a versatile collection for women that is both everyday wearable and chic. Learn more here.

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by New Balance via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of New Balance. Photos by Shannon Stiggins.}

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Mode Monday | Accessorized

April 22, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

[glasses: c/o lookmatic // necklaces: c/o chewbeads // ring: c/o bees knees gems // bracelet & watch: judith ripka c/o qvc // blouse: uniqlo x cabbages and roses // jeans: c/o t.j. maxx // sandals: zara // bag: j.crew]

These photos were supposed to be with my little guy, hence the Chewbeads, but he conked out right before Shannon came over to play so you’ll have to just imagine an adorable teething baby

If you’re linking up with #MondayMingle, one participant will win a Clearly Cool Plastic Beach Set from Echo Design, as seen on The Today Show and Live! with Kelly and Michael.

Here’s to an uneventful week!

“Monday Mingle” is a weekly fashion/personal style link-up rotated between Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom.

{Post contains affiliate links. Photos by Shannon Stiggins.}

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Homemade with Love | Simple Scratch Cooking from In Jennie’s Kitchen

April 16, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

Jennifer Perillo and I first met (or got to know one another better) at the “Are You Ready to Party” Electrolux event Kelly Ripa and Tom Collichio hosted almost two years ago. Typing that makes my head spin. I can’t believe it’s been almost two years. So much has changed– for the both of us. Jennifer continues to write her inspiring food/lifestyle blog In Jennie’s Kitchen and just released a beautiful cookbook, “Homemade With Love: Simple Scratch Cooking from In Jennie’s Kitchen.” I reviewed it for Elizabeth Street here.

I’ll just add that Jennie is one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. The way she presents her meals, just run of the mill breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is so charming and inspiring, it’ll make you think differently about what and how you serve. Check her out. I just know you’ll love her too.

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B&W With A Side Of Pastel {Sponsored}

April 11, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

It’s week 3 of my Style Scout challenge with T.J. Maxx (you can check out week 1 here and week 2 here) and I’m officially a convert! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, I’ve been making regular trips to the T.J. Maxx store in Chelsea and spotting some ridiculous deals on designer clothes and accessories that I would normally pay full price for. It’s a bummer I can’t list the brand names because it’s really surprising what labels I’ve found and I do love my labels!

This week I hope it’s obvious that the prompt is black and white, a classic but reinvented for spring with a dash of pastel. Everything I am wearing– the earrings, blouse, blazer, jeans, cocktail ring, cuff, and clutch– except for the heels, are from T.J. Maxx. A blazer and jeans is my go-to so I was thrilled to find a classic black & white jacket and of course these pastel jeans (last seen here). Leo snapped these photos of me on our way to Glam Media’s Foodie Top 100 Restaurants Awards. To honor the restaurants and their chefs, Glam commissioned five artists to create original food-inspired art for the reception that took place right in our ‘hood. It was a good time and I felt right on trend!

You can share your own fabulous T.J. Maxx finds via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the designer and price of your score with the hashtag #maxxstyle to be entered to win weekly gift cards in the Maxx Style Contest! Read here for official rules.

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by T.J. Maxx via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of T.J. Maxx.}

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Shabby Apple {Promo & Giveaway}

April 6, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

Let’s start the week with a fun giveaway, shall we?

By now I’m sure you’re familiar with Shabby Apple, the online retailer offering artfully designed clothing and accessories with a vintage flare. From swimwear to maternity and children’s wear, whatever you’re looking for there’s a good chance Shabby Apple will have something you’ll love. The prices are great and clothes come in all sizes including plus size and petite.

WIN IT! I have a $50 gift card for one Glamamom reader.

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

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

UPDATE: The winner is April G. Congrats!

If you’d like to start shopping right away, use the promo code fanfavorites15off at check out for a 15% discount off your purchase. Valid until April 25, 2013.

{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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Introducing Sally Hansen’s #IHeartNailArt Theme for April

April 4, 2013 in LIFESTYLE

Earlier this year I attended a fabulous little nail art party at Soho House hosted by Sally Hansen and Glam Media to kick off the #IHeartNailArt Contest which runs through May.

During the event, which included cocktails and manis, I filmed a little intro to April’s contest theme. Well, April’s here so here it is!