Mama Holiday Party Look

Happy New Years Eve!  Who is ready to get their celebration on?  We plan on bringing in the New Year at church tonight.  Something I have always done.  I think I may have went out to party two or three times for NYE.  Just because I'm not going out tonight doesn't mean I haven't been getting my celebration on.  Before Christmas, I headed out to celebrate the holidays with some girl friends.  Instead of just putting on a dress I decided to put on my new "polar bear" coat and a sequin skirt. 

Jennifer Lopez coat, Kohl's (sale) | QMack skirt, Macy's (silver on sale) | Tee, Gap | Necklace, H+M | Gucci clutch | Booties c/o JustFab

Happy Holiday Style

I hope everyone is still enjoying the Holidays!  I've had a great holiday so far spending time in Chicago with my mom, family and friends.  Peyton really enjoyed herself!  Oh! We got past the whole Santa thing with out any drama.  I'm sure it won't be that easy next year.  Peyton didn't need Santa to be fly on Christmas day!

Elephantito dress, Gilt | Vest, The Children's Place (similar) | Tights, JCP | Boots, Baby Gap (similar) | Headband, Gymboree

Write Chicago Teen Workshop by Urban Shake

Next Sunday, January 5th, Urban Shake will host Write Chicago, a "sicker than your average" writing workshop for teens in my hometown of Chicago!  I would have loved to attend a fun writing event like this when I was a teen.  I'm my thirties and still trying to learn how to write.  Write Chicago is a FREE event!  Perfect place for teens to explore creative writing for self-expression in music, mass media and more.

Mamanista Fridays: Winter Wonderland

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!  Ours was awesome. We spent the holiday with my mom and family in Chicago.  Peyton is having a blast!  Since I'm in Chicago, I call this weeks look for Mamanista Friday, Winter Wonderland. 

Coat (super old), Express (similar) | Sweater, H&M | Shirt, Walmart | Jeans, F21 | Hat, Gap | Boots c/o JustFab

Merry Christmas!

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

Hope your holiday is filled with love and celebration. 

XOXO

Stocking Stuffer: Kidz Bop Christmas

Peyton and I have been "riding round and gettin it" for the holidays listening to our Kidz Bop Christmas CD.  Kidz Bop is the number one music brand for kids ages 5-11.  Kidz Bop takes the hottest songs out, flips them to make them kid appropriate with kids singing the tracks.  Something we both can enjoy listening to.

The Kidz Bop Christmas CD features some of our favorite Christmas songs like "All I want for Christmas is You" and "Jingle Bell Rock".  I find my self listening to the Kidz Bop CD's even when Peyton isn't in the car.  The latest Kidz Bop features songs like Roar, Applause, Treasure and Royals.

You can hear samples of the different Kidz Bop albums HERE.  You can also purchase Kidz Bop, online, Itunes and at Target. Great stocking stuffer!



*I received Kidz Bop CD for review purposes.  Opinions are my own. 

Mamanista Fridays: Midi Skirt

TGIF!  Welcome back to Mamanista Friday!  Mama Fashion Files and I are now hosting a linkup!  Details on the linkup are below.  This week, Mama Fashion Files and I are rocking midi skirts.  It took me a minute to try this style and now I'm addicted!

Leather Blazer (old), Arden B (similar) | Skirt, F21 | Gucci clutch | Prada bangles | Pumps, JustFab | Earrings, wholesale from Apparel Mart (similar)

To Santa or Not to Santa

I've been dreading this moment.  Peyton is getting older and smarter. She has a ton of friends are they are all talking about going to see Santa.  This is an issue for me because I want Peyton to celebrate the birth of Jesus and I don't want to lie to her.  There is a big Santa in someone yard in our neighborhood and she asked what it was. I just told her it was a Christmas character and brushed it off.  We don't mention Santa.  I figure she would not think Santa was a big deal if I didn't make it a big deal about it.  But now her classmates are telling each other they saw Santa or are going to see Santa.  I'm so torn!

Hampton Hotels Hosting Tips + Win a Free Night

If you've ever hosted guests at your house for Christmas it may not be the most wonderful time of year for you.  You have to clean up, re-decorate, cook, and be the hostess with the mostess.  We would love for everyone to stay in one place but that is not always possible.  It's OK to suggest a hotel that will make your guests feel at home.  Personally, I prefer to stay in a hotel versus sleeping on a floor in a packed house.  Hampton Hotels would like for you to experience their Hamptonality this holiday season.  Hamptonality by Hampton Hotels, is all about celebrating the little moments that make a big difference.

Tom Ford Grooming + Skincare for Men

Tom Ford believes that every well dressed man should have great skincare.  I feel you Tom!  Exclusive for Neiman Marcus, Tom Ford introduces his eight-piece skincare collection for men.  Ford says “One of the simplest things a man can do to improve his looks is to combat dry lips and improve their smoothness and texture.” 

Last Minute DIY Christmas Gift

Need a couple cute gifts on a budget?  I think I have a solution.  I made these Christmas mugs for Peyton's teachers.  They were super easy and cheap!

Ugly Christmas Shirt

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas around these parts.  We finally got a tree and Peyton was in charge decorating it.  Her and Mister got it done in no time flat.  We finally got out to do some holiday shopping.  Peyton wore her Skip 'N' Whistle Ugly Christmas shirt while we were out and about on Saturday.

Holiday Hair with Pantene AgeDefy #WantThatHair

They say 30's are the new 20's?  Not so much.  I like my 30's better.  But who knew the signs of aging can show up in your hair.  Pantene recently introduced a line of anti-aging hair care products to fight the signs of hair aging.  Regardless of my aging hair, holiday parties are still going on.  I used the Pantene AgeDefy collection to turn back the clock on my hair for the holidays. 

Mamanista Fridays: Casual Sparkle & Linkup

Welcome back to Mamanista Fridays!  Aracely from Mama Fashion Files and I will be posting our inspired outfits and fashion tips every Friday for Mamanista Friday.   This week we are sporting a casual look with a little bit of sparkle. 

10 Gifts for Your Bestie Under $50

I'm not quite in the Christmas spirit yet.  I should be in the spirit after I try to do all my shopping this weekend.  Today I am sharing some great gift ideas you can buy for your bestie, sister or me : ).

Google Nexus 7 Beauty Break

The fine people from Google Nexus gave a few Atlanta bloggers a much needed Beauty Break last Friday.  Atlanta social media mavens gathered at the Drybar in Buckhead for a relaxing blowout while saying connected using the new Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Gifts for Men from Kohl's

Buying gifts for the man in your life can be a challenge.  Unless they tell you exactly what they want, it can take some critical thinking skills.  Mister has all the TV's, blue rays, phones and tablets he can handle.  What to buy?  I've partnered with Kohl's to put together a gift guide with Mister in mind.

1. Versace Fragrance | 2. Chaps Corduroy Blazer | 3. Bluetooth Speakers | 4. Chaps Scarf

5. Tech Gloves | 6. Marc Anthony Watch | 7. Watch Case | 8. Eddie Bauer Boots

Peyton and the Peacoat

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I just noticed that Christmas is almost two weeks away! EEEK!  We don't even have a tree up yet.  I have a lot of work to do this week.  Peyton was sick last week and out of school for 3 days with some kind of bug.  Nothing worse than a sick child.  She is all better and was ready to take pictures before heading to a birthday party she was determined not to miss.

Peacoat, Joe Fresh JCP (similar/similar) | Shirt, H&M (similar) | Jeans, Joe Fresh JCP | Belt, Target | Booties, Old Navy (similar)

Gifts for the Mini Fashionista from LMA

While us ladies are getting ready for Holiday parties we can't forget about the kids.  Pictures with Santa, holiday school programs and dinner with family, they need to look fly.  Love My Alannah has beautiful holiday accessories to finish off your child's holiday look or the perfect gift for the mini fashionista in your life.

My favorite items from LMA are the snowflake bracelet and the beary headband.  Which one is your fave?  There is still time to get your order in for the holidays.

Don't forget to enter the FabKids Holiday Giveaway and Eucerine Skin First Giveaway.

Mamanista Fridays: Holiday Party Style

I'm excited to introduce you guys to Mamanista Fridays!  Aracely from Mama Fashion Files and I have joined forces to bring you fashion tips and style inspiration.  Moms are not only super women but we can have style too!  Each week we will bring you a different looks inspired by trends or themes.  This week, Mama Fashion Files and I got dressed up for a Holiday Party!

Win Peyton's Outfit: FabKids Holiday Giveaway

Peyton has been looking fly  all year in her FabKids outfits, so we are excited to be included in their fabulous Holiday Giveaway!  For 12 days, FabKids is giving away the featured outfit of the day.  Friday, December 6th, you can win Peyton's Sparkle and Shine outfit.  

9 Holiday Party Dresses Under $100

Welcome to Holiday Party season!  So many parties and so little time to find something to wear.  As a busy working mom, the easiest thing to wear is a dress.  Plan a ahead and check out these super cute dresses under $100 that you can wear now and later.

Neiman Marcus Gifts Under $100

We all have the task of finding that perfect gift for family and friends.  I'm so over breaking the bank on Christmas gifts so I put together some of my fabulous finds under $100 from Neiman Marcus.

Holiday Traditions

Since it was just my mom and I, we never had any Holiday traditions.  We did the usual dinner and gift exchange with my sisters and brothers and their kids but no real traditions.  I want Peyton to have special holiday memories that I didn't have.  With the help of Chasing Fireflies, I think I found a Holiday tradition that Peyton will look forward to.

My Comfy Thanksgiving Outfit

Since Thanksgiving is all about eating (and giving thanks), I like to wear something with a lot of room and that stretches.  Lawd knows I wanted to wear leggings and a t-shirt but since we had dinner at my Aunt-in-law's home, I figured I should wear some real clothes.

Tribal Cardigan, F21 | Joe's Jeans | Boot Socks, Walmart (similar) | Gucci Tote | Ugg Boots, Neiman Marcus (similar)

Turban Time

Happy Cyber Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend!  Besides working and being on call, ours was great!  I headed out Thanksgiving night for Black Friday, took a disco nap and went back out before going to work on Friday.  Well worth it!  I don't plan on doing much Cyber Monday shopping please check out my Shop Small Business post to find some fabulous items if you are shopping today.  Peyton is sporting some of her new accessories from some of our fave small business owners.

Holiday Scents by Nest at Neimans

Happy December!  It's hard to believe that Christmas is three weeks away.  Besides shopping on Black Friday, I need to get in the Christmas spirit.  I never realized how a scent can get you in the mood for the Holidays.  Neiman Marcus carries some great room sprays and exclusive candles from Nest that will have your home smelling like Christmas.

Eucerine #SkinFirst Review + Giveaway

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving!  So much to be thankful for!

I recently received a Eucerin skincare package featuring their new Eczema Relief cremes.  Perfect timing for these cold temperatures we've been having in Atlanta.  We all need to step up our skincare game during the cold months.  My husband has a slight eczema problem so I was excited for him try these new products.

Shop Small this Saturday

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  I'm happy to announce we have been invited to a few dinners on Thanksgiving Day after begging on the blog so I will not be cooking!  I am thankful for that!

After Black Friday, make sure to participate in Small Business Saturday.  We all get caught up shopping at the big chain stores for the holidays.  I think it's important that we support our small businesses the best we can.  I love small businesses because you can find items that no one else carries.  I wanted to share some of my favorite small businesses that you can shop for Small Business Saturday and beyond.

Thanksgiving Style

I can't believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday!  I'm still working on dinner plans.  I freaked out yesterday and purchased a small turkey.  Lawd knows I don't want to cook.  I don't know how you ladies do it!

Peyton wasn't going to do an outfit post this week but I came across these photos we took before heading to a birthday party a couple of weeks ago.  I thought it was a great Thanksgiving inspired outfit.

Shirt and Pants, Baby Gap (similar) | Vegan Leather Jacket c/o JCP (similar) | Ugg Boots

Great Holiday Giveaway! Over $700 Value

The Holiday season is in full affect! We are all busy planning our holiday shopping lists and finding the perfect gift for everyone on our list. A big giveaway always makes the holiday season brighter! We have teamed up with 6 other fabulous blogs to bring you a Great Holiday Giveaway!

Meet the fabulous blogs The Little Style File, The Chirping Moms, Marino Bambinos, Glamamom, Baby Shopaholic, Thirty Something Fashion and BonBon Rose Girls.

New Holiday Cards by Tiny Prints + #Giveaway

It's that time of year!  Time to order your holiday cards!  My go to spot for Christmas cards is Tiny Prints.  They have the best selection, best prices on high quality holiday cards.  Tiny Prints has new designs for 2013 as well as new trim options for your cards.  You can choose from rounded, bracket, ticket & scallop trim options.  Below are some of the Tiny Prints cards that are on the top of my list. 

My Black Friday Picks

The greatest shopping day of the year is next Friday!  No matter if there is something I have to have or not, I love to be out in the Black Friday madness.  I think it's the thrill of being being one of the few people to score an awesome deal is what gets me excited.  Most of the sales have been released.  I went through some of the ads and picked out a few things that I thought were a steal.

$100 Mamanista #Giveaway

It's giving season!  I partnered with fly mama, Aracely from Mama Fashion Files to host a special giveaway to kick off the holiday season.  We are giving away a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky Mamanista!  Because us Mamanistas work so hard all year long, we want you to use the gift card on yourself! 

What would you buy yourself with $100?

Use the widget below to enter the giveaway.  You do NOT have to be a mom to enter the giveaway.  Open to US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends on November 26th at 11:59pm est.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mad Plaid

During the cold months I dress more casual.  Who likes feeling cold and uncomfortable.  There are so many cute coats, hats and boots for the fall and winter to step up a casual look.  And just because it's fall, it doesn't mean we can't mix patterns.  Check out how I mixed my new favorite pattern, Plaid.

Puff vest, JCP (similar)/ Shirt, Walmart (similar)/ MNG jeans, JCP/ Hat, Gap/ Necklace, Tiffany/ Palmer booties, JustFab

Join Me & Lexi for Holiday Shop the Aisle

This Sunday, Lexi from Lexi with the Curls and I will be hosting a Holiday Shop the Aisle at Walmart in Stone Mountain, GA.  If you haven't been to a Shop the Aisle before you don't want to miss the Holiday Edition!  

Ninether Salon and K. Logan Salon will showcase hair styles using products from our sponsors Beautiful Textures, ORS Curls Unleashed, Curl Care by Dr. Miracles, Curl Max, Curls, EDEN BodyWorks, and SheaMoisture.  In addition to our mini hair show, there will also be gifts and giveaways!  

Come out and get some holiday hair tips and chat with Lexi and I.  The event is FREE but make sure you RSVP to reserve your spot HERE.  

Girly Grunge

I hope you guys had a fab weekend.  Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?  I'm a little bit in panic mode because I'm used to my mom taking charge of the dinner.  I have no dinner plans and no place to go.  If someone would like to host my family for dinner let me know.

Dress & leggings c/o FabKids/ Boots, JCP (similar)/ Hat, Hooked by Ima

Luv + Learn Your Hair with Taren Guy

Sunday evening, YouTube superstar & natural hair diva, Taren Guy brought her Luv & Learn Your Hair tour to Atlanta.  Luv & Learn Your Hair tour is to help encourage women to learn to love THEIR hair!  There was a line a block long of natural hair enthusiasts waiting to get into the event.   The Atlanta Luv & Learn Your Hair event was sponsored by Carol's Daughter and Hairfinity.

Taren is stunning!  You can see why she has over 17 million YouTube views! 

Isabel Marant Hits H&M Today! Big Kid Sizes!

The much anticipated Isabel Marant line for H&M hits stores this morning and online at 12pm!  Parisian designer, Isabel Marant is known for her rock and roll boho chic style that all of Hollywood is rocking!  The collaboration with H&M will allow us common folk to sport Isabel Marant's signature style.  Unfortunately the collaboration doesn't include sizes for Peyton (my wallet thanks her).  If your son or daughter wears a size 8 to 14 your in luck!

#HelpMeClinton Style Tips at Macy's

Are you a fan of What Not to Wear?  I am!  I get excited every time I catch a re-run.  One of the shows stars and cast member of the Chew, Clinton Kelly made his way to Macy's in Atlanta for a #HelpMeClinton style chat!  Clinton is HIL-LARIOUS!  While he gave out great style tips, he had me dying laughing!

Stella + Dot for the Mini Fashionista

Last week I hosted a Stella & Dot Mommy and Me trunk show with stylist Valerie Langman.  I thought I was seriously over Stella & Dot until I re-discovered how many awesome items that had as well as the new girls collection!  I recently purchased an awesome tech wallet and some items for Peyton and I was back on the Stella & Dot team!

Peyton at the Stella & Dot trunk show showing off her statement necklace set from the girls collection.

Hi Baby!

I hope everyone had a fab weekend!  Please take a moment to say a prayer for the Philippines and those with families in that area.  The devastation is unreal.  I pray there is some relief soon.

Let's get into some fall and winter accessories today!  A fabulous scarf is a must have for the fall not only for yourself but for your little ones as well!  Cute scarves for the mini stylish girls and boys are hard to come by.  I want to introduce you to Hi Baby Designs!  Hi Baby Designs has some incredibly adorable infinity "snood" scarves and mini bags for kids and moms. 

At Home Manicure in 9 Steps

I had an unfortunate gel manicure last month (pictured below).  I was against getting gel nails because they didn't last in the past, but I needed something that would last a few weeks.  I should have stuck with my gut and skipped the gel mani!  My nails looked horrendous day 5!  So I decided to get back to taking care of my own nails at home.

DIY Boyfriend (Distressed) Jeans for Kids

I shared with you guys on Monday how difficult it was to find reasonably priced boyfriend jeans for little girls.  I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own.  

JeNu Skincare System: Before + After #NMBeauty

Plastic surgery is so common now and days.  I haven't had anything done but I'm not shocked when I hear other people do it.  I have nothing against having a little nip tuck to keep things tight, but before going under the knife I would like to find a non-surgical way to maintain.  I was ecstatic to receive the JeNu Active Youth Skin Care System from Neiman Marcus.