Babblings of a Mommy

A Look Ahead: My #FFFWeek Wardrobe

2013-06-17T08:06:00.000-04:00

Full Figured Fashion Week is officially here!!! While I might be joining the festivities a little later on this week, I wanted to get the ball rolling by giving you a quick peek at some of my wardrobe courtesy of Sonsi!! Which item is your fav?

If you're in NYC this week, make sure to check out FFFWeek's schedule and ticket information for event info. Most events are sold out already, but there are a few still open!

Will I be seeing you there?

Current Obsession: Huarache Sandals

2013-06-13T10:39:00.000-04:00

Ahh summer. It's right around the corner, can you feel it? I've been shopping away trying to update my summer wardrobe, but my summer wishlist wouldn't feel complete this year without a pair of huarache sandals. With its hand woven leather and casual chic style, they're the epitome of the perfect summer sandal!

Even though they've been around for years, this vintage footwear is making a comeback. In fact, I always get a little nostalgic seeing huaraches because my mother used to own a pair when I was younger. I wish she would've kept hers though, because now we have the same shoe size, and it would've saved me the trouble of finding a new pair!

From flats - to wedges - and heels, the huarache sandal comes in all shapes and sizes.

What style is your favorite?

ecote leather huarache / ecote woven huarache

AEO huarache t-strap sandal / ecote thin braid huarache

BCBGeneration blayne sandal / mossimo harachi cork wedge

saint laurent tribute t-strap sandal / michael kors georgie sandal

Father's Day: Gift Ideas For Every Guy

2013-06-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

Growing up with three brothers I'm completely at home shopping in the mens department. While I'll admit some are harder to shop for than others, I'm sure you'll be able to find something in this gift guide that is suitable for good ol' Pop's, or any special man in your life.

My Favorite Carrie Bradshaw Looks

2013-06-10T11:20:00.002-04:00

With all the talks of Sex and the City 15th Anniversary (wow, that makes me feel old) I thought I'd share some of my favorite looks from series and movies! Carrie Bradshaw was a fashion risk-taker and trendsetter. She constantly pushed the style boundaries, but some of my favorite looks were when she was able to marry her high fashion obsession with relatable looks that inspire! Take a look!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

What were some of your favorite fashion moments?

A Look at the Summer Days Ahead

2013-06-06T11:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, it’s not “officially” summer just yet, but the heat wave we had last week would say otherwise! During the summer there’s so much to do - and only 99 days to do them! So what do you have planned?

We have a few things on the agenda, and taking a family vacay somewhere tropical is definitely top on the list! So is having an all-girls day with Arianna in the City. Last year, we went to the American Girl store for tea time and shopping spree. I would like to do that again, but also take her to see Cinderella on Broadway afterwards! She has been DYING to go to, and I love we can share special girly moments together. They mean a lot to me!

My family is also big on theme parks and if you follow me on Instagram you already know we hit up Hershey Park last week! It was so fun! Arianna is now tall enough to get on some of the big roller-coasters and she went full BEAST MODE! Haha! This little girl has no fear. No matter how big, or how high, or how fast - she was down for everything! In fact, Jason and she were already planning a trip to Six Flags on the way home!

We have a lot of fun things planned this summer, and with Arianna being home from school I want to prepare simple meals that are fast and easy to do. One of her favorite meals I make at home is Spaghetti with hotdogs. It only requires a few ingredients and it’s so quick and easy! Here’s what I use:

• 1 package of Hebrew National Hotdogs
• 1 package of Barilla White Fiber Thin Spaghetti
• 1 jar of Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce

Prepare the pasta as directed in the box. Cut the Hebrew National hot dogs into rounds and sauté them in a different pan. Once pasta is cooked, drain and add hotdogs and marinara sauce. Voila! You’re done.

What simple meals do you like to make in the summer?

Hebrew National tastes great because, for more than 100 years, we've adhered to the highest quality standards. Hebrew National Franks are made with premium cuts of 100% pure kosher beef, and contain no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no by-products, and no fillers. Premium taste and high quality every time, for any occasion. That's our guarantee. Learn about even more reasons to love Hebrew National, and tell us why you love them, too! www.facebook.com/HebrewNational

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

7 Super Easy Nail Trends To Try

2013-06-05T09:35:00.000-04:00

Nail art is HUGE right now. But not everyone is an expert nail technician. I would love to emulate these intricate designs splashed over the web, but unfortunately I don't have the time, or patience to perfect them. I mean, dip-dyed, horizontal striped, color-blocked nails sound great - but "aint nobody got time for that!!" Am I right? If you're like me and need an easier mani technique - look no further! I found 7 nail trends that are super easy to do!

1. Metallic Tip - Use silver or gold for a bold look.

2. Ombre Nails - Use different lacquers in the same color family

3. Sideways French Tip - Use contrasting colors for a new twist on a classic.

4. Accent Nail - Use a different polish on one nail to make it stand out

5. Ruffian Manicure - Create a crescent shape accent near your cuticles.

6. Single Stripe Manicure - Create a single stripe across the nail in gold or silver

7. Glitter Nails - add a bit of sparkle to the top of each nail with glitter polish.

Which one would you try?

photo source: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

Finding The Right Necklace For Your Neckline.

2013-06-04T10:16:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that accessories can make or break an outfit. And I don't know about you - but necklaces are my weakness! I love them all. Long pendants. Big statements. Delicate jewels. I'll take them all! But with all these different shapes and sizes sometimes you can get stuck figuring out which necklace suits your outfit best. Luckily, Charming Charlie took out the guesswork out and created this genius cheat sheet that styles everything for us!

1. The Ballet Neck - With this cut be sure to accessorize with a necklace that follows the same shape as your neckline.

2. The Crew Neck - Liven up the basic crew neck by adding a collar style necklace. It's a great way to open this neckline and flatter your face.

3. The Button Down - Wear a statement necklace under your collar for a twist on accessorizing the classic button down.

4. The Scoop Neck - Accentuate your scoop neck shirt with a necklace that matches the same shape and cut of the neckline.

5. The Strapless - Accentuate this simple neckline with a great statement necklace or a layered look.

6. The Boat Neck - The eye must travel! Complement the width of a boat neck by adding length with your necklace.

7. The Cowl Neck - Don't skip the detail - wear a great icon necklace on a short chain to draw the eye upwards.

8. The Turtle Neck - Blank canvas! A turtle neck is a great way to be creative. Add glam, sparkle, or keep it chic and simple.

9. The V Neck - Accentuate your neckline with a necklace of the same shape.

photo credit: charming charlie

The Children's Place Giveaway!!

2013-05-31T11:52:00.000-04:00

The Children's Place has always been a parent favorite to deliver trendy kid fashions and affordable prices. That's why I was so excited to partner with coupons.com to showcase some items I bought Arianna recently!

First of all, I was BLOWN AWAY at how much $50 can stretch at The Children's Place. (Especially when I'm used to other retailers making me pay that amount for a single item - I'm looking at you Gap Kids!) But boy, did that money stretch! In fact, I was able to create 3 fabulous outfits for my little munchkin! I probably could've gotten away with buying another item if I would've gone to the store, but I had to pay for shipping. And I did go over a $1, which I gladly paid because I loved everything I got for her!!

Tell me which look is your fave.

floral bow romper - $14.99 / boardwalk sandal - $10.17

meowzers graphic tee - $4.00 / border print sequin skort -$12.00 / boardwalk sandal - $10.17

meowzers graphic tee - $4.00 / matachable shorts - $4.00 / boardwalk sandal - $10.17

My advice would be to take advantage of the sale items and coupon codes that are available to you. They will save your a fortune! Now to the fun part! Coupons.com is graciously giving one of my readers a $50 The Children's Place gift card to spend too!

To enter to win you must visit Coupons.com and share which coupon you would use, AND comment on what items you would like to buy!
That's it! Good luck!

(Use the Rafflecopter Widget for more entries to win)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Memorial Day Memories (Sponsored by Hebrew National)

2013-05-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day is always extremely special for my family. We join the nation in honoring the brave men and women who proudly served this country, like my brother-in-law and my husband’s grandfather who I sadly never got to meet. But it’s also about celebrating life and having fun because it’s my hubby’s birthday as well!

So what did we do to celebrate?

Well, if you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed that our Memorial Day weekend started by welcoming a new member to the family – Cheeky! Arianna has been beeeegging us for a hamster for a while now, so we finally got her one as a prize for doing so well in school. She’s a Russian Dwarf Hamster, and she’s got the biggest cheeks you’ve ever seen!! She’s soo cute!

On Sunday we headed into the city to spend the day on the Intrepid. It was my first time going and it was amazing! It felt truly special to be surrounded by massive machineries and hundreds of military artifacts that played such an important part in our country’s history. It was really special. And I’m glad we also got to take Arianna, so she can see and appreciate the service and sacrifice our military men and women make every day.

Afterwards we headed to Texas de Brazil in Yonkers for Jason’s birthday dinner! As a meat-eater, you can’t ask for anything better. An endless variety of meat, served to you at the table, any way you want it. Boom! Oh, and the desserts? Ugh. Phenomenal.

On Monday, we had a BBQ at our house. (Because it’s not like we had enough meat the night before or anything). It was the first BBQ of the season and it was delicious! I even made my version of a southwestern corn recipe I found with Hebrew National hotdogs that was a hit!

Ingredients:
• PAM® Grilling cooking spray
• 2 ears fresh corn, shucked
• 2 tablespoons Wesson® pure vegetable oil, divided
• 1 package (12 ounces) Hebrew National® beef franks
• 1/2 medium red onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1/2 cup chunky salsa
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1. Spray cold grate of outdoor grill with grilling spray. Prepare grill for medium heat. Brush corn with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Grill corn and franks 10 minutes, or until corn is tender and franks are hot.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in bell pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add beans and salsa. Cover; simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Cut corn from cobs; discard cobs. Stir corn into bean mixture. Serve with grilled franks. Top with cilantro, if desired.

I’ve mentioned before that Hebrew National hot dogs are the only hot dogs allowed in my house. Jason is extremely picky with his food, and Hebrew National’s 100% kosher beef with no-fillers or by-products pass his taste test.

If you asked me our Memorial Day weekend couldn’t have been better. The weather was perfect. The food was out of this world. And I also got to wish the love of my life a Happy Birthday. Plus, I don’t know about you - but I see plenty more BBQ’s and hotdogs throughout my 99 days of summer! Woot!

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

Summer Ready Bags Under $50

2013-05-28T12:02:00.001-04:00

Swapping out your winter layers doesn't mean just adding a few maxi dresses and flirty skirts to your wardrobe. It's also about embracing fun, bright, bold bags like these! The best part? They all come in at $50 and under, making them extremely wallet-friendly!

OOTD: Thread & Butter

2013-05-27T20:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Memorial Day lovelies! Today is a special day in my family because we get to honor several family members who bravely served in the military, but it's also my hubby's birthday!!! Yay! Needless to say we had a lot of festivities planned this weekend - and I'll share them with you later on this week. But today I wanted to show what I wore yesterday for a long day in the city. The weather has been bipolar in New York. We had some high temps throughout the week, but this weekend brought some chilly temps too. It even went down to the 40's at one point! Brr. Good thing Thread & Butter sent me this Jules Knit Top, because it was perfect for the brisk weather!

Thread & Butter is a brand I was introduced to at the Getting Gorgeous event a few weeks ago. I'm always excited to see new plus size brands pop up - and Thread & Butter is definitely one you should get to know! They offer a collection of wardrobe staples for the curvy fashionista. Their items consists of simple, stylish, quality pieces ranging from XL(12) to 3X (22/24). If you haven't already - you need to check them out STAT!

I loooved my Jules Knit tunic. It was soo comfortable and the length is perfect to pair with leggings or your favorite pair of jeans. It can be layered over a tank, but it's not completely see-thru so I wore it as is. I also decided to belt it because it's a very loose fit. If you're looking for it to be snug I suggest sizing down a size.

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Valentina Shoes: For Mini Fashionistas. (Review)

2013-05-24T09:59:00.000-04:00

My 7 year old had become somewhat of a shoe lover. She has developed quite an affinity for shoes. In fact, I don't know whether to be proud or scared! Ha! Given her new found fascination with shoes, I was thrilled when I was given an opportunity to check out Valentina Shoes - who offer young girls age 6 to 14 fun styles, bright colors, and cute details! From sandals, to flats, and espadrilles their footwear collection has everything to make any young fashonista's feet happy!

Arianna received the Sage Fuschsia Sandals which she & I loved! The color is nice and bright for all types of summer fun, and the silver lining cut-outs add a playful detail that makes it unique. They do run big, so I would suggest you size down a full size. Arianna will have to wait to wear these comfortably for a few months, but given how fast our kids feet grown - she probably won't have to wait too long.

Make sure to check out Valentina Shoes for more fun styles! Prices range from $44-$48, and are available online and select stores.

{Disclaimer: Editorial samples was provided to determine opinion of product. All opinions expressed herein are my own. See disclaimer/disclosure for more info.}

My Top 10 Beauty Buys Under $10

2013-05-22T12:11:00.001-04:00

1. Caress Tempting Whisper Body Wash ($4) - The smell is intoxicating and lingers on your skin well after your shower. I use it everyday. (find it here)

2. NYX Natural Eye Palette ($7) - Great for everyday look. Soft subtle colors that go on easy and don't crease. Use primer for longer wear. (find it here)

3. Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray ($5) - Don't be fooled by the low price tag! Excellent product to protect from heat damage. I've been using it for YEARS. (find it here)

4. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask ($6) - Leaves hair soft and manageable. Works great on dry frizzy hair. Highly recommend. (find it here)

5. Organix Moroccan Argan Penetrating Oil ($7) - Love this product! Works well to control frizz and humidity - plus it leaves my hair soft and shiny. Smells great too! (find it here)

6. Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick ($8) - SUPER pigmented and colorful! Moisturizing and lasts awhile. You will have to reapply, but it's a good alternative to MAC. (find it here)

7. Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara ($7) - Best CoverGirl mascara hands down. Doesn't produce spider lashes, but makes them thicker and more noticeable. Great product for the price. (find it here)

8. Olay Total Effects Body Lotion ($9) - Wonderful product! Leaves skin smooth and moisturized and smells delicious. (find it here)

9. NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss ($5) - Honestly I prefer these lipglosses to the higher end brands. They're long lasting, moisturizing, and don't leave a sticky feel. You can't beat the price either! (find it here)

10. Got 2b Smooth Operator Hairspray ($8) - Gives hold, but leaves hair soft and touchable - not sticky or stiff. Smells nice too! (find it here)

What are some of your favorite bargain buys?

Birthday Girl

2013-05-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

If there was one word to describe my birthday weekend it would be: indulgence. In every sense of the word. I was spoiled rotten by my family and I'm not gonna lie - I loved every second of it!

Jason and Arianna took me out to eat on my actual birthday, May 15th. Then patiently waited while I temporarily lost my mind and went on a full-on shopping spree for clothes and makeup. P.S. It was their idea. Just sayin'.

On Saturday we met up with the family and headed down to Little Italy for some delicious family-style Italian food. (I swear, I must've been Italian in a past life. I would be perfectly happy eating cheese and pasta for the rest of my life. Wouldn't you??!)

After our meal we walked a few short blocks to the legendary Ferrara Bakery for some more belly laughs and dessert. The cheesecake and cappuccino was phenomenal, and the perfect way to cap off the night with the fam. But somehow they still managed to top it even MORE by surprising me with a GORGEOUS new MK bag! Whoop. Whoop.

I love my family. They know me so well. :)

Here's a few pics. I apologize for the quality, they were taken on my cellphone.

Make sure to grant me a birthday wish by voting for me on the
Lane Bryant Style Off Facebook app here!

Mobile users can click here. Thanks! XOXO

FFFWeek 2013 VIP/Style Correspondent + Sonsi Giveaway For You!!!!

2013-05-17T10:41:00.000-04:00

BIG NEWS!! I'm elated to share with you that I will be a VIP Style Correspondent for Sonsi at Full Figured Fashion Week next month!!! Ahhhh!!! Pinch Me.

FFFWeek is filled with fashion shows, parties, panel sessions, shopping events - all tailored to the plus size community. And Sonsi is returning once again as Presenting Sponsor! As most of you know, I've been working with Sonsi for the last few months as a contributing writer for their SonsiLiving blog, and I am so incredibly honored that they chose me to bring you VIP access to events and runway shows! I. Cannot. Wait!

For more information about FFFWeek, or take a peek at their schedule and ticket prices, make sure to visit the website at www.fffweek.com.

BUT WAIT! Sonsi also wants YOU to get excited about the upcoming events by giving one of my readers a $100 gift card to spend on their site!!! With over 300 brands and one of the largest assortments for full figured women - you will definitely find something FAB to wear at Sonsi. (US ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dazzling Spring Styles By Shoe Dazzle.

2013-05-16T12:52:00.001-04:00

ShoeDazzle has been around for some time now, but it wasn't until they added fashion icon, designer, and world-renowned stylist Rachel Zoe as Chief Stylist that I really started to pay attention. I'm mean - who doesn't want to take style recommendations from RZ herself? Hello!

If you're unfamiliar with ShoeDazzle, they are the original online personal-styling innovator treating millions of women to a monthly showroom filled with on-trend, personalized shoe and accessory recommendations.

To join, you take a really fun quiz so ShoeDazzle can get to know your style. Based on the results of the quiz, ShoeDazzle gives you your first showroom of shoes and handbags they think you’ll love. At the beginning of every month you will receive a new selection that fits your individual style, and as new styles get added to the site throughout the month, they continue to tailor your personalized recommendations!

I took my style quiz and got lots of fun styles to choose from. Some of my favorites include the Cosset Wedge and the Jenny heel (I mean, can the name get any better? Really.)

Take the ShoeDazzle quiz today and gain access to your own showroom with personalized picks just for you. Make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz and get 25% off your order!

{Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by ShoeDazzle}

DIY Body Scrubs For Spring

2013-05-15T11:55:00.000-04:00

As spring arrives, the cold of winter falls away, but for many, the change of weather doesn't take away the damaging effects of the winter on their skin. There are a variety of DIY beauty recipes to help battle dry, winter skin. Exfoliation allows you to rejuvenate the skin, but DIY scrubs are some of the best ways that you can combat skin woes and save money. These are just a few of the home remedies that you can try.

Sweet and Spicy

This exfoliating scrub is easy to make. All you need is sugar, ground cloves, rose petals, orange zest and sesame owl. To use this scrub, your skin has to be slightly damp. You should only scrub your skin twice a week with this sugar spice scrub. To mix, combine 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cloves, 2 teaspoons orange zest (grated), one tablespoon rose petals (dried) and 1 1/2 cups of sesame owl in a medium mixing bowl. Scrub with a hand towel or even your hands to shed away skin. You can also store this scrub in a cool place and reuse up to three months later.

A Honey Heal

If you love honey, you probably have some hanging around your pantry. Honey is a perfect addition for a DIY scrub. Honey is a natural one to give moisture to your skin, but you can add in citrus and sugar to create a skin scrub. For this mixture, mix one cup of raw granulated sugar and two teaspoons of citrus zest with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/4 cup of olive oil. You can store this scrub mixture in a sealable container and reuse.

For Beach Days

This scrub is the perfect remedy to make while at the beach. You'll need a jar with a seal to get started. With a dropper, blend 6 drops of orange, 4 drops jasmine oil and 1 cup of sea salt. Shake the jar up to get it mixed properly. Once mixed, pour the contents into a medium mixing bowl and combine with 4 tablespoons of olive or jojoba oil. The ingredient that you'll need from the beach is sand. Just add in about one handful of sand to this mixture. Swirl the ingredients around with a mixing spoon or your hands. As you sit out in the sun, scrub your skin with this DIY beach oil to remove roughness from your elbows, feet, legs and knees. Rinse off after to reveal your polished, glowing skin.

Epsom Jojoba Love

This scrub is perfect for those who want an energizing scrub in the shower. Mix together 3/4 cup of Epsom salts, 4 drops of grapefruit oil, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup or more of jojoba oil. You want the consistency to be like a paste as you apply to the body, so you can add more jojoba oil. Scrub your body down then rinse off in the shower.

About the author: Michelle works for Skana, a spa in Upstate NY. She likes to share her beauty knowledge with women and provide tips and tricks to make them feel a sense of luxury right in their own home.

Treat your Dad: Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts (Featured Guest Post)

2013-05-15T11:53:00.001-04:00

It may be a couple of weeks away yet, but it’s surprising how quickly time passes and before you know it, it’ll be the day before Father’s Day and you haven’t even thought of a card, never mind a present. Be a little organized this year and treat your dad to a lovely gift to show him how much you care. While many dads will be receiving a trusty tie, pair of socks or another pair of slippers, others will be adorned with lovely gifts and treats that will stand out from the norm. Make your dad one of the latter and take a look at these top 10 father’s day gifts for inspiration.

Clothes

While ties, socks and slippers may be a thing of the past, it doesn’t mean you can’t grab a new cool graphic print T and then match it with some men’s shorts from ASDA George. Assured this is a thoughtful and practical gift. Ask your mum what size he is so that you don’t get the wrong one and treat him to some new clobber this Father’s Day.

Golf Goodies

Not every dad is into teeing off on the green, but for those that are, some new golf goodies would go down well. From some new golf balls to gloves or club covers, there are plenty of options to suit varied budgets.

A Day Experience

Fancy splashing the cash? Take a look at the driving experiences at Silverstone or perhaps join him on a tank driving afternoon!

Grooming Products

While some dads wouldn’t know the difference between skincare products, opting instead for ye old faithful soap and water, others like to take care of their skin just like ladies do. Replenish his skincare products as a Father’s Day treat if he’s interested in male grooming.

Aftershave

Whether he saves it for a special occasion or wears it to the office every day, giving him a new bottle of aftershave is bound to go down well.

Nightwear

Is he a loungers kinda guy? These Family Guy loungers for £10 would go down a treat with a cool dad who has a good sense of humour. Or, you could opt for a cosy new dressing gown that would go down a storm on cool Sunday mornings.

Cookery Goods

Is he a bit of a Ramsay in the kitchen? Perhaps some new culinary equipment that will bring out the Heston in him, or a personalised apron would go down a storm?

Malt Whisky

If he knows his single malts from his scotch and bourbon, a personalised bottle of malt whisky will undoubtedly hit the right spot.

Whatever you decide on for Father’s Day this year, the most important thing is a card for him to treasure forever. Make him feel appreciated this year – remember the date: 16th June!

{Disclaimer: This is a featured guest post.}

OOTD: Mother's Day (#LaneBryant Style Off)

2013-05-13T09:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday my loves! I hope all you mommies out there had a fab Mother's Day! I know I did. I spent mine surrounded by family and dressed entirely in Lane Bryant! Woot! Woot! Lane Bryant was gracious enough to include me in a blogger style off in preparation for Full Figured Fashion Week next month. (More on that later!) They provided me with a gift card to style my own outfit, and here's what I came up with. Let me know what you think!

{Outfit Details: Blazer: Sateen Suit Jacket | Top: Tribal Tube Top | Jeans: Genius Fit | Necklace: Hammered Bars | Bracelets: Bangle Set (Similar) }

To vote for my look make sure to visit Lane Bryant Style Off Facebook app here!
Mobile users can click here. Thanks! XOXO

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide.

2013-05-08T10:57:00.002-04:00

If you're still scrambling to find the perfect Mother's Day gift for the lady in your life, you're not alone! A lot of people wait to the last minute to shop. Don't worry, I'm here to help. Here are some great gift ideas that will let mom know you love and appreciate her:

How much building insurance is necessary? (Featured Guest Post)

2013-05-08T10:24:00.000-04:00

If you have recently become the owner of a property, or particularly are thinking of buying a home for the first time, you may be looking into the subject of building insurance and struggling to know what is required.

Why insure at all?

Unlike some other forms of insurance, buildings cover is not a mandatory legal requirement in the UK. You may be forgiven for thinking that this means you need not bother with it at all, but many mortgage lenders deem it a necessary part of any application Aside from the technicalities involved with borrowing against the value of your investment, the security that comes from knowing that you are protected in the event of fire or flood damage, repairs after an intrusion, or even rioting is not to be underestimated. Once you have made the decision to take out a policy though, you may be having trouble working out exactly how much building insurance you require. With so many varying levels available, perhaps it is wise to clarify first of all what the term itself means.

Defining the terms

Building insurance comes under the umbrella term of home insurance, which is split into the two sections of 'contents' and 'building'. 'Contents' of course refers to the possessions you keep within your property, and you may already be familiar with this if you have decided to insure your belongings while living in a rented property. Determining the value of these objects can be tricky, particularly if you have had some of them for many years and are unsure of the current going rate to buy a replacement. However building insurance is a different matter, as the valuation that is relevant to your policy is not the market value of your property, but how much it would cost to rebuild it in the event of it being seriously damaged or destroyed.

How can I find out the value of my property?

Most people are not qualified to assess the total value of the materials and labour required to build a home at a glance (or even after close inspection), so don't worry if you are unclear at first about how much your property is worth for the purposes of building insurance. The information that you require can be easily obtained from a surveyors report undertaken prior to the keys being handed over, but if you have any issues with the information detailed in the buyers report it may be wise to commission your own independent survey. For a quick estimate, try searching for online calculators that can give you an immediate ballpark figure.

Other factors to consider

It is important not to get caught out by taking out a policy that undervalues your home in any regard. If you are living in a period property or one with specialist features, you will need to consult someone familiar with the methods and materials needed to restore it to its original condition so that the full cost is factored in. Likewise, if you undertake improvements or extensions to your property, remember to look for a new quote that takes the value added to your home into account.

Disclaimer: This is a featured guest post.

Belly Dance Maternity Giveaway!!

2013-05-07T08:20:00.000-04:00

The giveaways just keep rolling in for you lovelies! And this one is for you new moms and moms-to-be. Belly Dance Maternity is an apparel company that offers hip maternity clothes and stylish pregnancy fashions. If you thought maternity clothes can't be chic - think again! Belly Dance Maternity is all about celebrating pregnancy while making you look good and feel good. From comfy tees to designer jeans and gorgeous dresses, they have styles to fit every baby bump!

Belly Dance Maternity wants to help you celebrate your maternity style by offering one of my readers a $75 gift card to their their store and a 20% discount to all my readers!! Use coupon code: babblings20 (valid for one month). To enter simply follow the instructions below. Open to US residents only.

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My Latest Obession: Ikat

2013-05-06T10:10:00.001-04:00

Ikat has officially left its mark everywhere from fashion to home decor. And I for one can't get enough of this woven boho trend! The intricate patterns on soft colors and bright hues creates an exotic, global-influenced look that cannot be ignored. Are you fan?

Ikat Obsession by babblingsofamommy featuring stella & dot

Don't forget about my giveaways!

Enter to win a Lia Sophia item of your choice here

Enter to win a $100 gift card to BaubleBar here

May Beauty Faves.

2013-05-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow - These gel cream shadows are super pigmented and last all day without creasing or smearing. Bad to the Bronze is my fave for everyday wear.

2. Yes to Grapefruit Towelettes - Feels so refreshing while correcting and exfoliating your complexion. Gentle on the skin, yet tough enough to wipe away any make-up.

3. Lorac CC Cream - Works great on my combo skin. Evens out skin-tone and doesn't feel heavy. I use it under my foundation to get a flawless finish.

4. Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain - My newest obsession! Long-lasting and lightweight. The colors are perfect for day to night.

Mother's Day Giveaway With BaubleBar!!!

2013-05-01T13:28:00.003-04:00

Mother’s Day is drawing near, and what better way to say ‘thank you’ to all you fab moms out there - than with a BaubleBar giveaway!!! As an ultimate source for fashion jewelry, Bauble Bar has become one of my favorite online destinations for all things sparkly. With plenty of gorgeous gems and guilt-free prices, there’s no reason you can’t drape your favorite lady in these pretty jewels.

Lucky for you BaubleBar wants to help celebrate Mother's Day by offering one of my readers a $100 gift card to their site!!!! To enter simply follow the instructions below. Good Luck! (Open to US residents only)

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