JerseyFabulous

In the Boudoir

2008-04-01T22:09:00.004-04:00

One of my splurges this spring is to finally give in to my lower back's aching request for a new mattress. I am finally upgrading my oh-so-small, not big enough, completely broken in but not in a good way full sized mattress to a queen. My big ticket splurge also requires a new bed and bedding.

I found this fabulous bed which was exactly the style I was looking for but at a price far lower (which is better) than I ever expected to pay. Ironically, the bed was the perfect match for the duvet set I had already fantasized about buying. The DwellStudio for Target Baroque Bedding Collection.

I know I have already mentioned how fabulous the new DwellStudio for Target line is here. But I couldn't help but fall in love with this chic duvet set that fits my style perfectly. It's basic black and white color scheme also leaves me the option to completely change the color scheme for the bedroom in the future (something I am known to do quite often).

DwellStudio has six different totally chic designs to suit your fabulous style needs. Check them all out here.

Get Carried Away in 2 months!

2008-03-28T09:06:00.001-04:00

I cannot quite put into words how excited I am that in just two months, Sex and the City: The Movie opens! I have been looking forward to this movie ever since the finale of the HBO series and even before there ever were hopes of a movie making it to the "Big" screen. And yes, I will shamelessly admit that I have had a countdown ticking away the days, minutes, and seconds until Carrie and Big make their way back onto the screen again.

Not much has been released about the movie as the studio heads at HBO have miraculously kept most of the plot details under wraps all through filming and post-production. Fans of the show are still left with the question of "Will they or won't they?" in terms of the Carrie and Big wedding and wondering what ever happened to the girls after the series wrapped on it's final show. I have no answers and refuse to share any spoilers I've come across (sorry!) But what I do have, however, is the full-length trailer for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Screenplay, Inc.

Watch the full length trailer here: Sex and the City: The Movie

See the movie in theaters on May 30!

Purging without splurging

2008-03-27T13:02:00.008-04:00

After my recent move and while I was unpacking, I took the opportunity to do a little early spring cleaning of my makeup bag and tossed everything that was passed it's prime including some beloved makeup brushes. Makeup has a shelf life that most people ignore which is not a wise thing to do if you wish to keep bacteria out of your pores and your precious peepers! When it comes to your makeup brushes, frequent cleaning (or not cleaning!) and time can really take a toll on them.

I know you all follow the commandments of beauty, especially the one that proclaims anything that touches your face must be clean and free of bacteria! If you take good care of your brushes it is possible to extend their shelf life indefinitely.

That aside, good brushes range greatly in price and when you want a fresh start replacing every brush a fabulous brand to turn to is e.l.f. A great choice is the e.l.f. Professional Complete Set of Brushes for only $12. No I didn't studder. That's 12 brushes for only $12. And don't assume the low price means low quality. These inexpensive brushes are a favorite of makeup pro's everywhere for their ergonomic design and their ability to create a flawless finish!

So go ahead, toss out your old brushes and replace them without even breaking the bank. And throw in the e.l.f Professional Travelers Kit ($5) while your at it!

*Even more fabulous: e.l.f products are not tested on animals and when you purchase this fur free tweezer you'll also be supporting PETA!

Flat and Fabulous!

2008-03-26T05:31:00.007-04:00

As a mom I have finally come to accept the fact that flats are now a staple in my wardrobe as I have slowly transitioned away from my beloved stilettos. What makes the transition a little bit easier is Gianni Bini's new absolutely fabulous "Ginger" flat.

This totally basic flat can easily be dressed up or down and also be worn on a daily basis. It comes in 4 vibrant colors so there is sure to be one or two or even three pairs to fit your fabulous style needs!

The "Ginger" snake print flat is available at dillards.com for $49.

Temporary Tats are cool again!

2008-03-25T12:28:00.008-04:00

If you are a renter and are tired of those oh so blah tiles in your bathroom and kitchen, or if you are just the non-commitment type when it comes to your home decor, don't worry because there is finally a cure for those bland spaces. 2Jane has the perfect solution with their fabulous non-permanent tile tats!

Available in 6 styles and colors and two sizes you are sure to find a tat to match your style. Apply these heavy duty stickers for an instant makeover and rest assure that when you need to remove them you'll be left with no mess! They will even stick to those wet tiles in the bathroom with no bubbles and no problems!

They are available in sets of 6 starting at $16 at 2Jane.com.

Never leave home without

2008-03-21T11:39:00.011-04:00

...Smashbox Photo OP Under Eye Brightener!

Whether you are a new mom who loses precious sleep at night or you are a party girl who likes to spend her nights late at she paints the town red, you mustn't EVER leave the house without a little mascara and the fabulous Smashbox Photo OP Under Eye Brightener.

When I started lose some serious sleep after my daughter was born I had hopelessly tried so many "tricks" to brighten up my under eye area so that when I left the house it wasn't so obvious how sleep deprived I really was. Nothing worked to cover those serious raccoon eyes. Then I found Smashbox's Photo OP Under Eye brightener and refuse to use anything else! It doesn't cake at all or crease into fine lines, it goes on smooth to instantly brighten your tired eyes. Wear it alone or top it off with your favorite concealer. It's just that simple. Believe me, your eyes will love you!

Get this eye savior for yourself here. Or try my favorite pre-makeup combination, the Flawless Finish Skin Perfectors Kit. An amazing value at only $49.00.

**Also Fabulous, for a limited time Smashbox is offering FREE Standard Shipping on any order!

*All images courtesy of Smashbox.

some people do whatever it takes

2008-03-07T16:04:00.004-05:00

These four fabulous tees are all ethically produced and part of a generous foundation called "Whatever it Takes" that was created by 21st Century Leaders in 2007. The goal is to raise at the very least, "$3 million in 3 years to fund charitable projects in developing countries, contribute to the protection of the environment and other charitable causes."

"Whatever it Takes" is a charity artwork project that collects original designs from leaders in several fields such as music, politics, and film. Each ambassador's self-expressed message of hope is sold to raise $3 million dollars in 3 years for various global causes and philanthropies. All of the tees available are authentic designs from each ambassador. Such an amazing contribution and a genius idea to use art to benefit the greater good.

Get them at Shop Intuition for $48 each.

Check out other great products from the foundation here.

MIA

2008-03-07T14:42:00.002-05:00

I'm still here, I swear! I have been moving and am now finally painted & moved in with only a few boxes left to unpack. I will be back soon once I'm completely settled, I promise!

♥ JerseyFabulous

For the love of Babies!

2008-02-06T00:56:00.000-05:00

It's that time again! I am participating in my county's upcoming March of Dimes March for Babies (formerly known as WalkAmerica) because my daughter is one of the countless babies saved by the March of Dimes mission to save babies. Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring me in March for Babies today.

This is Ava's story and why I choose to walk:

Ava had an early start on life when she surprised us all and came into the world five weeks too soon. She was a NICU baby for the first 11 days of her life. Those 11 days were the longest days of my life as it felt like we were living in slow motion.

Ava suffered from Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RSD) and Apnea along with a few other complications from being born too soon. Every step forward she made she also seemed to take a step back. Ava taught me to take everything one day at a time as we tackled these setbacks one by one.

On August 3, 2006, we were finally allowed to take Ava home from the NICU. She came home with an apnea monitor which she needed for 6 months as she frequently stopped breathing in her sleep. After that, Ava quickly grew out of her prematurity and her days of lingering below the growth curve.

Now at a year and a half she is completely healthy and almost above the growth curve as she is growing so quickly and developing right on schedule. Looking at her now you would never know that she was a preemie or the challenges she faced to get where she is now.

No parent should ever have to go through what thousands of parents like us have to go through when their baby is born too soon. No mother should be left in her hospital bed with empty arms while her baby is fighting to live in the NICU. No parent should ever have to wait days or even weeks just to hold their newborn baby. But sadly some parents have to and that is why I am thankful that the March of Dimes is making progress in the fight against prematurity.

Please support me by joining my team or making a donation to sponsor me. Contributing to my march online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

I've joined with millions of compassionate people across the country who support March for Babies each year. Please help me support this worthy cause. Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the march that saves babies!

With your support, there's hope.

Visit my Personal page where you can sign up to walk or make a donation:

Team: AvaMarie

Thank you for your support. It means the world to me! ♥

I've been dwelling

2008-02-02T06:17:00.000-05:00

I have always loved all things modern and graphic so you could imagine my excitement when I heard that DwellStudio is designing an exclusive line for Target and after much anticipation it is finally available this month! The collection includes everything gorgeously modern for your home from bedding sets, accent pillows, and comforters for your bedroom to table linens, kitchen towels and oven mits for your kitchen and dining rooms.

The biggest collection of all lies in the baby department where you can make over your nursery with simple modern furniture and adorably printed bedding sets, rugs, lamps, night lights, wall decals, curtains, boudoir pillows and soft toys. There is also a line of baby layette for little boys and girls with modern color schemes and prints.

The DwellStudio Home Collection has yet to debut in stores so here are my picks from the DwellStudio Baby Collection:

For Boys:

For Girls

Check out the DwellStudio for Target Baby Collection.

To find out more about DwellStudio visit DwellStudio.com.

*All images courtesy of Target.

Red is in the air

2008-02-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, I know. But in the spirit of all things February and all of it's lovey dovey redness, it is time to recognize National Wear Red Day.

Go Red For Women was started by the American Heart Association to raise awareness that heart disease in the #1 killer of women. So pull something Red from your wardrobe and show your support of such an important movement. Have a heart, wear Red!

Victoria's Secret

Crop Wrap Sweater - $48

RSVP - Willow - $69.95
Available at Zappos

Dior Rouge - $27

Available at Sephora

MICHAEL Michael Kors
Square Sunglasses - $80

Visit Go Red For Women to learn more.

There are no words

2008-01-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

It is a sad day indeed, but my favorite moment from his breakthrough role will always be remembered.

Heath Ledger in "10 Things I Hate About You" Singing "I Love You Baby!"

It's all in the bag

2008-01-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

I always feel extremely pleased when I hear good news for a change, especially when it occurs in the morning before I have even finished my daily coffee. Whole Foods is taking the first step toward building a better earth as it is going to stop using disposable plastic bags forcing its customers to bring re-usable grocery bags with them. Some critics say that this may ultimately harm the small chain but I am guessing those critics are the same ones that double bag their groceries with plastic bags.

There is nothing sexy about polluting the earth where our offspring will be forced to live in the future. But there is something sexy about showing you care about something that will truly make a difference. Spread the word and do your part with this fabulous Green tote from Fred Flare. Stop using paper & plastic and start reusing. A little change can make a world of difference!

*image courtesy of FredFlare.com

"Resist Plastic" tote, $28. FredFlare.com.

This Weekend

2008-01-18T23:49:00.000-05:00

Who: Rivers Monroe

What: CD release party debuting their first professionally recorded EP "Electric Life"

When: Saturday, January 19, 2008. 10 pm

Where: Grape Street Philadelphia, 4100 Main Street, Manayunk

Why: Rivers Monroe is an extremely talented up-and-coming Pop/Rock band in the Philadelphia area. After six years of truly hard work and dedication to the music they create, Mat Rivers and Mike Monroe have drawn three more extremely talented musicians into the band to make their sound truly distinct and complete. The lyrics are deep, the melodies are upbeat and catchy, and the band has amazing stage presence that will captivate you and leave you wanting more.

Check out their music at RiversMonroe.com.

My Personal Fav Songs: "Shake it Off" and "Fight for Me"

*CD art by Mat Rivers, Photo courtesy of Rivers Monroe

(Something)Red to care about

2008-01-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

1. ALDO Fights Youth AIDS :: I have always had a horrible addiction to shoes. I don’t know what it is about a pair of adorable heels that can just make you feel so absolutely fabulous on a not-so-fabulous day. Another reason I love them? Aldo is continuing to support the Children With AIDS fund. Stop buy a store or buy the Dog tags or the new limited edition "ALDO fights AIDS" tote bag on-line to show support via Aldo Fights Youth AIDS . 100% of net proceeds benefit the fund! For just $5 you can change someone’s life. "Empower yourself. Join the fight." And give yourself another reason to love shoes.

2. Viva Glam :: I am also terribly addicted to lip gloss. I just can’t leave the house without it. So why wear any other lip gloss when 100% of the retail price of the Viva Glam collection goes toward the fund that helps support men, women & children who are living & coping with AIDS. Now that is my kind of lip gloss! Get your lip glass here and bring hope to someone’s life.

3.(Product)Red & Hallmark :: Before you send another card stop by Hallmark and check out their new (Product)Red line. By simply sending a birthday or a just because card to someone you love, you are also giving a gift to the people in Africa who are living and coping with AIDS everyday. Why send any other card when you can send one with a heart.

*All images courtesy of Aldo, MAC & Hallmark.

Baby, It's Snowing Outside!

2008-01-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

It is mid-winter and the snow is really starting to fall as the temperatures begin to drop. Stay warm and look absolutely chic on those oh-so-cold snow days with Boring Sidney’s not-so-boring hats. Found on my favorite DIY haven ETSY, Boring Sidney has a bountiful selection of elegant hats & headdresses to adorn your pretty little head which allow you to look chic while keeping warm.

These are a few of my favorites:

Newsboy Cap - $50

Gorgeous Burgundy Cloche - $120

Mod Madness - $55

Fanny Mae - $90

Claudette Colbert - $85

*All images by: Boring Sidney

A Golden Night for Beloved Johnny

2008-01-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

Johnny Depp’s amazing talent has finally been recognized after 8 nominations as he won his first Golden Globe for his magnificent portrayal of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Tim Burton’s “Sweeny Todd.” Depp won in the “best actor in a musical or comedy” category as the film also took home top honors as “Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.”

I have loved Johnny Depp for so long and have sadly sat and watched his 7 previous snubs and all I can say now is that it is about time! He really should have been honored for his brilliant interpretation of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates trilogy; without Depp, the films would have flopped.

Last night’s Golden Globe’s were announced Press Conference style due to the writers strike which is a shame because I would have loved to have seen him personally honored. My fingers will remain crossed for the upcoming Oscar nominations that will be announced on January 22. Here’s to hoping for another win!

Something Blue

2008-01-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

You better toss that Black and Midnight Plum polish you’ve been sporting because the next big color trend for those short squared off nails yours is the deepest shade of blue you can find. Reminiscent of the color I once sported way back in middle school, Chanel introduced its new shade for 2008 that is sure to sell out. The limited edition “Blue Satin” by Chanel Le Vernis is a long-lasting chip-resistant formula that fetches $19 a bottle.

For those who would rather not fork out that much cash for a bottle of nail polish can still looks trendy by opting for O.P.I.’s Yoga-ta Get This Blue! ($8.50) which is set to release February 6 as part of their Spring/Summer 2008 “India” collection.

Green things come in small packaging

2008-01-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of going green, CARGO became a beauty brand with a social conscious. The brand has merged innovatively designed packaging with a fabulously “green” beauty product for those who care about protecting our earth. PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick is by far the most environmentally friendly beauty product available at the moment. The lipstick itself is created without the use of mineral oils and petroleums that pollute our atmosphere. So not only is it healthier for your lips, it’s healthy for our planet as well.

What quite possibly is the best thing about the lipstick is in its ground-breaking packaging. Instead of using the typical plastic lipstick case that adds to the pollution in our landfills, CARGO came up with a biodegradable, environmentally friendly tube made entirely of corn, a bio-plastic made from a widely renewable resource which is becoming widely popular among those greener folk. The outer carton is also made of flower paper and is embedded with wildflower seeds that are sure to brighten up your garden. Just add water and you’ll soon be admiring a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers.

I have been a lipgloss girl for as long as I can remember, but this little tube of lipstick just might make me a convert. CARGO is not only giving back to our planted but is also spreading love among our children. CARGO is donating $2 from each sale to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick is available in 17 fabulous shades and is available at Sephora for $20 each.

“The PlantLove™ seeds we sow today affect future generations so we are investing in the earth and our children for the future of the planet!”

Find out more about PlantLove™ at CargoPlantLove.com

Mafia vs. Jungle

2008-01-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if it is because I am a huge Candace Bushnell fan or if it is because last night’s premier of the much anticipated new ABC series “Cashmere Mafia” failed to live up to it’s high “Sex and the City”-like expectations. The most drama of all invloves the show's producer and former “Sex and the City” producer, Darren Star, who seems to have borrowed the ideas of Candace Bushnell’s novel-turned-TV series, “Lipstick Jungle” which is due to air on February 7.

Whether it was coincidental or an intentional slap in the face for Bushnell, the characters of Cashmere Mafia are too starkly similar to those of the 2005 novel “Lipstick Jungle.” From being the top women in their jobs to the dramas involved in their home lives and the way in which they try to find balance between the two, “Cashmere Mafia” and “Lipstick Jungle” are almost a mirror image of each other.

It seems that former “Sex and the City” guest star Lucy Liu stole the spotlight in the pilot of “Cashmere Mafia” with her spot-on depiction of her character, Mia. However, the show failed to draw me in to the three other women and never really showed the true correlation between the ladies other than the fact that they were college friends and they finish each other’s sentences. There really was no chemistry between these four women.

Except for a few moments of in-your-face dialogue spoken by the ladies, the script fell short of really making its mark and drawing in the viewers. The pilot was mediocre and I have experienced more drama in five minutes of “Grey’s Anatomy” than in one hour of “Cashmere Mafia.”

“Cashmere Mafia” has left me eagerly anticipating the premier of Bushnell’s “Lipstick Jungle” next month and hoping that NBC can successfully pull of a transition from the book to the screen in a way that would fill the void that was left when Carrie Bradshaw’s sex left the city.

Sticking to a Fashion Resolution

2008-01-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

There comes a time when you open your overflowing closet to pick out an outfit and you realize how much money you spend on looking fashionable. All this money spent on labels that will be tossed in the pile of last year’s trends in the blink of an eye. When it comes to basics wardrobe staples I wouldn’t think twice about spending a little extra cash on a timeless piece that will last through multiple seasons of wear. However, when it comes to the trends that rarely make it through a year I find it is futile to spend good money on these outfits. Besides, as a mother I have better things to put this money towards (i.e. Baby Fabulous’ college savings, family vacations…oh, and did I mention diapers?)

On a recent shopping excursion I had a mission to buy an outfit with only the $80 cash I had in my wallet. A few hours later, the mission was successfully accomplished. I had a 3-piece outfit ($27 silk top, $27 fully beaded cropped sweater and $22 trousers) with $4 to spare. With picky choosing I managed to find three pieces that look more costly than their actual worth.

One great store to find a steal on an ultra-trendy look is Forever 21. I have put together two of the moment looks (shoes and accessories included for under $136). Both outfits transition seamlessly from the office to the evening. The best part is, you’ll look like you spent hundreds on these uber-chic outfits!

The Look: Modern Victorian Romance

Total Outfit: $81.80 (6 pieces!)
The wide belt at the waist and patent accessories pull this classic Victorian look into 2008.

1. Top: $19.80 - "Victorian Ruffle Top"
2. Skirt: - $22.80 "Corset Skirt"
3. Clutch: $9.80 - "Patent Wristlet Wallet"
4. Patent Heels: $19.80 - "Jelena Patent Slingback - Tan"
5. Earrings: $4.80 - "Filigree Teardrop Earrings"
6. Necklace: $4.80 - "Monoca Necklace"

The Look: City Chic

Total Outfit: $135.40
(8-pieces!!)

An effortless look that includes the trendy cloche hat and a gorgeous graphic print bag.

1. Cloche: $18.80 "Cocktail Bowler Hat"
2. Baby Doll Top: $19.80 "Chiffon Baby doll Tunic"
3. Trousers: $27.80 "Satin Trim Trousers"
4. Patent Heels: $19.80 "Jelena Patent Slingback - Black"
5. Handbag: $34.80 "Valerie Faux Leather Handbag"
6. Gold Filigree Earrings: $4.80 "Metal Leaf Earrings"
7. Gold Filigree Bangle: $5.80 "Filigree Bangle"
8.Ring: $3.80 "Antique Flower Ring"

Both of these looks, plus many more fabulous and trendy pieces can be found at Forever21.com.

A world of Green

2008-01-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

The other day was a very rare occasion where I found myself at the mall. I had Christmas gift cards to use so I wound up in the department stores. While browsing at J.C. Penney I came across a few Fabulous tee's that I just had to purchase.

Chaser, a popular California-based T-shirt company teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund to create a line of “green” tee's with a positive message. $1 from each sale is donated to the WWF fund. This doesn’t seem like much for a shirt that retails for $29.99 (I got mine for on sale $15 each) but the message makes it worth it.

What is even better is that each shirt is made with a blend of organic cotton that is grown without harmful pesticides and recycled polyester which is made from plastic bottles that have been saved from winding up in our landfills.

The many tees feature cute and powerful messages that are sure to make a greener impact. I am not a t-shirt kind of gal but I still picked one up for myself and a second one for my sister. Head to your local J.C. Penney to check out the many designs or shop online here.

These are the two I picked up:

Proudly modeling my new tee

12 Months, 12 Resolutions

2008-01-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

People usually start a new year off with many unrealistic resolutions that they never wind up keeping longer than two weeks. You know, the “I will lose 60 lbs” and “This will be my last cigarette” resolutions. I have never been one to make a resolution for the New Year because I know I won’t keep them so I never saw any point. But now, in 2008, I am at a completely different place in my life where I actually have been seeing myself make many changes for the better. So I decided for once to make a few realistic resolutions that I will do my best to stick to.

I, JerseyFabulous, vow to do the following in 2008:

1. Take better care of myself.
2. Read More books.
3. Go Greener than I already have
4. Spend less on mine and my family’s fashions.
5. Give back in some way at least once a month.
6. Spend more time outside
7. Stop talking about it and take that camping trip to Maine!
8. Schedule MORE Ladies Nights Out
9. Go see more than 2 movies in the theater this year
10. Get comfortable with my new, smaller post-baby body that has found its former fabulous curves to be MIA!
11. De-clutter my life
12. Lose the writer’s block that has been plaguing me since the birth of BabyFabulous!

Seems simple, right? Here’s to hoping so!

a clean slate for 2008

2007-12-31T17:07:00.000-05:00

It was 2005 when I started this blog as an online journal where I could rant about the going-ons of my life as I tried to make sense of it all. Now as it is about to be 2008 I can only reflect back on these few past years. Since the start of this blog I have experienced a great heartbreak, I met, fell in love with and became engaged to my Fabulous Fiancee, I quit my full-time job where I was miserable, I had a beautiful baby girl who has forever changed my life, and I grew up. I left the dating world and entered a life as a Mom and somehow managed not to lose who I am in it all.

Becoming a mother is the biggest thing I have ever done in my life and it honestly made me grow up fast. It was as if overnight I stop wondering about life and asking the question, "Why?" For some reason everything makes sense now. Don't get me wrong, I don't have the answers to everything but somehow everything seems much clearer. I've stopped living in my own world and can see the big picture now. It's kind of crazy how parenthood can do that.

My title is no longer that of a single, carefree girl skipping about town so I decided to start 2008 with a clean slate as I took down all my past posts. The blog will have the same look but the content will be much different because I live a much different and more domestic life now. I still love fashion, pink martinis and have somewhat of a night life, but I also love babies and all the accessories (and baby shopping) that comes along with them! Look out 2008, it's going to be a fabulous year!!