Ma Nouvelle Mode

Hazel & Olive

Natalia — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:59:00 +0000

So a little bit ago I wrote a little story about how I came to find that I had no budget when it comes to shopping. I don’t mean “no budget” as in I had no money to spend. I mean it as in my husband said he had never given me a limit. Say whaaaattt? I ran with it.

I don’t actually shop as much as I let on, but I have come to find that online shopping is the best bet for me. I have two boys. They hate trips to the grocery store, let alone a clothing store. And I mean hate it. I very rarely have time to go out shopping by myself. So online it is!

I also like unique, fun items, not something that everyone has. I mean, I love Target as much as the next girl, but for clothes, I usually steer clear. I have my StitchFix box that comes each month, which I absolutely love. It’s like having a personal stylist send things right to your door. And last time, I like it all so much, I bought the whole box! Other than that I have been left to find fun online boutiques.

Enter Hazel & Olive. I can’t remember how I found them or when, but I fell in love. I stalked them, I shared their posts, I ‘window shopped’ online for the longest time. Then they announced that they wanted to work with bloggers – say what?! I’m a blogger!! I want to promote you! In fact, I’ve been doing that already! So we hooked up.

They gave me a credit to spend and I chose this top. I need more tops like this in my life. I don’t like holding my stomach in, although it’s a habit I should probably get used to, and this top is nice and flowy and comfortable. I added the tank underneath & bam I have a cute, fun, comfortable, practical summer outfit. This is my fashion language.

But that’s not it you guys, they have so many options! I’m dying for this cuff, I mean, come on, adorable. This navy sheer tunic is on my must have list. And this bow dress – are you kidding me? So cute. Oh and this dress. If I ever had anywhere fun to go I would totally rock it. Excuse me while I do a little shopping…

Oh, I didn’t even show you the cutest part of the shirt — the back! It kind of ties in the back, so cute.

Are you convinced yet? I mean yes, they gave me a credit to shop so I would write about it, yes, it’s true. But I stalked them and shared and liked and whatever I had to do until they noticed me! I really love them!

I paired this top with a pretty necklace I was sent from INPINK.com. They’ve got a lot of super cute accessories adn you can use the code NATALIA30 until June 30th for 30% off jewelry! I wore the coral earrings in my 7x7Remix post last week. Which was SUPER AWESOME by the way guys! 105 link ups! Sign up here if you want to know when the next 7x7Remix is gonna go down. It’s so fun!

Have a beautiful Wednesday & I will be linking up to The Pleated Poppy, Shanna Said So, Get Your Pretty On, Style Elixir, & Fashion Informant. Phew!

Jun 18th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Natalia is a mom to two crazy boys and wife to one handsome dude. She lives in France part of the year where her husband plays professional basketball, but she hails from Southern California. The hubs was born & raised in Nassau, Bahamas, which makes them an intercultural, interracial family traveling the globe together since 2007. She loves to cook (but mostly eat), hang with her fam, be adventurous, & find ways to stay girlie in a house full of men. On her site you can find loads of hair tutorials, makeup ideas, & fashion tips for the everyday woman. She believes that beauty and fashion don't have to be intimidating and that every woman should learn to embrace her own beauty.

15 Hairstyles you can do in Less than 5 Minutes

Natalia — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:57:44 +0000

I think that hair and hairstyles is something that is hard for most women. I would honestly include myself in this group. I have interesting hair, it’s not straight, but it’s not really curly either. If left alone it just frizzes out. And as a tomboy growing up, I didn’t really mess with my hair. I might have tried every once in a while but overall, it was too big of a hassle to deal with.

In college I was a little better. I suppose I had to care more, I mean, I was in college. Trying to get a date & all. Thank goodness my husband thinks I’m hot even though sometimes I don’t see it. His taste is kinda weird.

Quite honestly, starting this blog is when I really got into doing my hair more & trying new styles! I still don’t like to spend a ton of time on my hair. Although now I will, as opposed to before if it took longer than 5 minutes it just couldn’t be managed. So I thought it would be fun to share a round up for all you ladies that actually only have 5 minutes.

I present you: 15 hairstyles that can be done in less than 5 minutes. You’re welcome.

Top knots

Everyone loves them and it’s clear why! They’re messy and that’s okay. They’re quick and still cute. They’re really perfect if you ask me. I rock these a lot during the summer months. You cans see a tutorial for a top knot for short hair here and a lot of other top knot ideas here.

Half up Criss-cross

This is just a regular half up style with a little pizzazz. It looks more intricate than it actually is and can easily be done in under 5 minutes. All you need is a teaser comb and some bobby pins and you’re good to go! Check out the tutorial for long hair here and see it done on both long and short here.

Braided Bun

Love this one! You guys, seriously, it’s a side braid that you twist into a bun. Voila! And yet it looks like something a stylist would put together! Fool all your friend into thinking you’re some kind of hair guru with this one. You can check out the tutorial here.

Half-up Dutch Braid

A Dutch braid is a basic French braid but done ‘inside out’ if that makes sense. Instead of going over you go under. Something as simple as that changes up the braid in this style and it’s so cute. Just pin the braid in the back with some hair from the other side and you’re done. Yep, that simple! You can see the full tutorial here or for short hair here.

Low Braided Bun

This one is perfect for dirty hair. And I don’t know about you, but I try to let my hair go 2 maybe 3 (and if I’m honest, sometimes 4!) days without washing it. It’s healthier for your hair all you have to do is get creative with it. You tease at the crown all the way to the base. Braid the center hair into a big braid leaving two side pieces out. Braid the side pieces, wrap them around, secure with pins and you’re done. Add a headband for cute, practical, easy hair! You can see the full tutorial here.

Low Chignon

Don’t be intimidated! Chignon is just a fancy word for a bun. And really, that’s all this style is. Separate the front two sections out, tease from the crown to the base and secure the back into a bun. Then, one at a time, wrap the front hair around the bun, smoothing it out so it all goes together. That’s it. Here’s the full tutorial.

Headband bun

You guys, so simple. Put a headband over your head, tuck all your hair into the headband at the back and that’s it! You can see the full tutorial here.

Quick Ponytail

Ballerina Bun

These might look intimidating, but seriously, they’re so easy! If you have a bun maker, you get a big full bun too. You can add a braid up the back for a little something fun. You can see the tutorial here.

Double Side Braids

This is an old style I did a while back, but it’s perfect for summer. In fact, I think I’ll rock this today! Here’s the original tutorial (remember this is when I first did tutorials – be easy on me!) and here is Christie’s version for short hair.

Easy Updo

I just shared this one recently, it’s super easy & can be done on all lengths. You might have to get creative with the long lengths, but I think it might work. Here’s the tutorial.

Big Side French Braid

This is another old one, but I still like it. Unfortunately, it’s mostly for long hair, you can see the tut here. So for the shorties you can try Christie’s braids for fine hair.

The Rope Braid

Everyone loves a good rope braid, right? Quick, easy, hair’s out of your face & you’re good to go.

Side updo

This might look harder than it is, but once you pin your hair to the side you just pull up your hair and pin. The messy part is what makes it quick, you don’t have to worry about it being all polished. That’s the kind of style I like. Here’s the full tutorial.

A Fun Ponytail

I love this ponytail! It puts a different spin on the everyday ponytail. And, of course, easy! All you do is add a few rubber bands and you’re good to go. You can find the tutorial here.

Phew, did I get them all?!?! That’s a lot of hairstyles!! I think most of the styles I do can be done in around 5 to 10 minutes. I hope you get to give one or a few of them a try. If none of these are your fancy, check my hairstyle archives, I have a bunch!

I hope you’re inspired to try something new with your hair this morning. Or tomorrow morning if you’ve already gotten ready for the day.

Have a great day!

Oh and don’t forget to RSVP to the CoverGirl Twitter Party tonight! It’s gonna be fun!

Jun 18th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Parenting & Potty Training

Natalia — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and GoodNites, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BetterNights http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

So last week I shared in a little video some insight, or just some general thoughts, on the ever elusive idea of balance as a parent, more so as a momma. It’s tough, isn’t it? I decided I wanted to write a little more about parenting and the funny, hard things that come with it in hopes to create a community of moms who come together & share with each other and most importantly support each other. The last thing we need is someone telling us some other way we need to do things. We’re giving it our best shot, gosh darnit!

So today the topic is potty training. Well, potty training in general but for me more specifically night-time training. If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen a little while back I asked what moms do to help their kids sleep through the night without an accident.

I never knew that this was an issue. I went into parenting pretty clueless so each stage is absolutely new to me. I just assumed that you just did it, you just stopped. And I guess that is true, from most of the opinions I’ve gotten, parents are telling me that their kids just stopped. However it’s older than I thought and takes a little more effort.

We potty trained our boys really early. Honestly, I just hated diapers. I hated changing them, I hated the smell of the diaper genie or whatever that is, and all the mess & expense that goes with it. So I got it done early.

There still is the thought of night training. This is tough because how do you ‘train’ your kids to wake up when they have to use the restroom? My son sleep so hard, which is actually a beautiful thing, but it makes it tough to wake up during the night.

Then, through the wonderful world of Facebook and your amazing suggestions, I heard of these bed mats. GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats. Believe it or not, before posting on Facebook, I had never heard of them.

So we tried it out. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s easy to change out if necessary, it’s non-intrusive, and the kids don’t feel embarrassed at all because they don’t have to wear a diaper. It’s a win-win for everyone! As you can see in the picture below, it just sticks on the sheets. You can also put it under the sheets, which I know would defeat the purpose, you’d still have to wash the sheets, but it’d be perfect for a slumber party or something, so they’re not embarrassed but still protected.

My little guy on the other hand, well, he’s 3 and still needs a diaper most of the time but absolutely hates it. He hates it because he wants to be big like his brother. I’m not ready to let him just use the mats, but GoodNites also have bedtime underwear. This is perfect for the E-man because, well, it has cool pictures on it and Eli’s really that easy.

The tips I have to go off of and will be using for my kids are:

GoodNites Bed Mats
Stopping water/drinks at dinner, around 5
Potty right before bed
Maybe even wake him up at night to take him, if we need to

So tell me – what do you do to help your kids sleep through the night dry? I heard some great stories/suggestions last time around, it was so helpful!! So leave yours in the comments, I read them all!

Jun 17th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

#CGFlamedOut Twitter Party!

Natalia — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Father’s day everyone!!

I know most of you are off BBQing the day away and celebrating the important men in your life and that’s wonderful. But I’ve got something fun for all the ladies!!

I don’t know about you, but I always have so much fun chatting with my girlfriends about makeup & basically all things beauty. I love learning new tips and finding new products that have worked for other people.

Well, this Tuesday night, June 18th, at 6:00PM PST (9:00PM EST) we’re having a Twitter party! And guess what, you’re invited!! It will be a fabulous chance to chat all things make-up, and is sponsored by CoverGirl’s Flamed Out collection from ULTA Beauty.

#CGFlamedOut Details

Where: On Twitter, using the hashtag #CGFlamedOut.
When: Tuesday, June 18 at 6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST
Prizes: But of course! See below for the goodies we’ll be giving away.

Twitter Party Prizes

Yes, you read that right, there will be prizes! During the #CGFlamedOut Twitter Party there will be amazing prizes including $250 to Ulta (yes please!!) and a variety of other Cover Girl Flamed Out products. $750 in prizes in one hour!! I’m getting excited just talking about it!

So, How do I enter to Win?

It’s so easy. Just enter via the link up tool below. Then show up and talk beauty and you’re good to go. It’s that simple! And fun. And free stuff. What more could a girl ask for on a Tuesday night?

More on CoverGirl Flamed Out

Inspired by fire, the bold new flaming femme look takes your eyes from flames to ashes. Hues of fiery red, pink, gray, gold and blue make this look pop. With CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara, Shadow Pots, and Shadow Pencil, you’ll definitely want to go find this new product line and get the flaming femme look at ULTA Beauty.

BONUS! For a limited time, CoverGirl Eye is buy one, get one 50% Off. This offer is valid from Sunday, June 9, 2013 through Friday, June 28, 2013.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of CoverGirl at ULTA Beauty. To read more the giveaway policies for this promotion, go here.

Jun 16th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Why I Blog

Natalia — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

So a little over two years ago I sat down at the computer, searched and pondered over a name and eventually landed on Ma Nouvelle Mode. It’s a funny name, it’s in another language, and it’s kinda hard to say for some people. I still like the name and what it represents, but I thought now that it’s been a while, I might sit down and write about — well — why I write.

My kids were sick. The kind of sick that’s bad enough to keep you home but not bad enough to knock the energy out of them. One would get better and then the next would get sick. It was a seriously vicious cycle. Wait — let’s go back a little further than that.

After I had my first baby and we were married, we moved to France. If you’re married, you know that marriage is hard. Now take a look at our situation — first year of marriage (the worst one), two people, two cultures, two races, a baby in a country that was home to neither of them. To say that our first year was a challenge is an understatement.

We made it through, thankfully stronger for it, but in the process I had lost a little of myself. Not because of my husband, but because of so many other factors. A new baby, a new country I didn’t understand, a new language I didn’t speak, and the new idea of sharing finances.

My husband is an amazing money manager. Thank you, Lord, because I am not. (I have gotten better!!) Our first year of marriage we were not broke. We actually did pretty well. The unfortunate part, for me at least, was that our money communication wasn’t always the greatest. He gave me a budget for our food/home needs and I thought that was all I got. He just figured I’d ask if I wanted anything. Well, I wasn’t used to having to ask for things, so I just didn’t buy them.

Now, over the course of what was now three — almost four — years we had gotten better, but we had been broke. Like the kind of broke where you buy the grocery item that is 3 cents cheaper because, well, it’s 3 cents cheaper. We didn’t have money to spend on luxuries like new clothes. Which is okay, I don’t regret it one bit. It definitely taught me that I’m okay living on less. Half of the things I had I didn’t need. I learned that needs and wants are two very, very different things.

Now, flash forward again to the sick boys. Toward the end of their sickness I took a trip to London to see a friend. I specifically remember watching her as she put on her makeup and thinking “wow, she just does this, like it’s normal.” See, I had been so out of touch with anything feminine that I didn’t even have a morning makeup routine! Not only that, I had forgotten what it was like to have one!

I knew after that trip I needed to change. I owe it to my husband to remain cute & try my best to look good. I owe it to my kids, so they can have a mom that takes care of herself and looks put together. But most of all, I owe it to myself, to not lose who I am in this crazy thing called life. To take care of myself, to take time for myself, to balance my world so it doesn’t get so out of whack later.

Ma Nouvelle Mode {My New Style} was born.

I wanted a French name because of our attachment to the country. I wanted something different. I also wanted something that had absolutely nothing to do with my husband and kids. I love the heck out of those men, but I needed something for me. I didn’t want to be known right off the bat as Mrs. Simmons or Tae & Eli’s mommy. Although I am very proud to be both of those things, I wanted to be Natalia. I needed to find Natalia.

I started as an insecure, scared, ‘I know nothing’ girl writing. Just writing about anything. I tried some crafts because that’s what everyone else wrote about. Turns out that’s just not my forté. I stayed away from family stuff because my husband is a super private person. (and he likes to Google himself…)

Then I tried some fashion. Not really fashion, I’d say, more like outfits. I didn’t have a lot to work with, but I gave it a shot. I liked it! It gave me a reason to try to be cute. It gave me a reason to try new things and create new outfits. I started wearing makeup again.

Then I did my first hairstyle. It was fun! I always have loved hair. I wanted/still want to be a hairstylist someday. So doing hairstyles here at Ma Nouvelle Mode has been an amazing outlet for me. I’m not a professional, I don’t always know exactly how to do things, but that’s okay!

So that’s how I try to write. I’m a mom just like you. I’ve never had it all together nor do I think I ever will. I want to encourage women that are, have been, or will be where I was. Half — no wait — probably 95% of the battle is confidence. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “You look beautiful, but I could never pull that off.” or “I love that red on you, I could never wear it.”

But WHY?? Why could you never wear it? Because you don’t think you can, that’s it. Once you believe you can rock red or pink or stilettos or whatever guess what, YOU CAN!!

Okay, I’m going on a tangent. Just know that when I write, I am writing with you. I’m in the trenches of life with you. I never ever ever want to come across like I have it all together or that my life is some form of perfect because, ladies, it.is.not. I want to be here to encourage you. I want you to know, I’ve been there. I don’t want to just put out some elusive idea of perfect and beauty because sheesh that is not me.

On that note, I love connecting with you all. I love hearing your stories. I love that this community can be so encouraging. So connect with me! Facebook is a fun place for conversation, I’m getting better at Twitter. You can catch a lot of my crazy life on Instagram and Pinterest, well, Pinterest is just for fun! Of course, leave a comment here. I answer every e-mail, every comment, every Facebook, and every Tweet. Cuz I feel like we’re tight like that. And I love meeting new people!

I hope this encourages you in some way and that you have a fabulous weekend!!

Jun 14th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

5 Quick Tips to Get Tangle-Free Hair!

Elisabeth Heasley — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:15:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I am Elisabeth from BeautyBlondie.com! You might remember me from a few of my past post; 2 Hair Styles in Under 2 Minutes Each and 10 Easy Steps to Fake a Good Nights Rest. I am so excited to be able to post to all of you again. Being a licensed Cosmetologist for over 6 years has given me a opportunity to not only listen to my clients needs but also to answer any beauty questions that they might have.

One of the most common questions I get is “How do I get tangle-free hair?”. This is most common in younger girls although all ages that ask that same question.

Today I am here is answer that question for you. I am going to show you just how I avoid tangling up your hair, especially in the shower!

I have a video here showing you just what I do to avoid tangling up your hair while in the shower.

Here are the 5 quick tips for shampooing your hair while keeping it tangled free!

1. Put a dime size of shampoo in your hand and lather it up.

2. Start by massaging the Revitalizing Shampoo onto the scalp of your head working the shampoo back and down to the ends of the your hair.

3. Rinse and repeat steps 1 and 2.

4. Rub a nickel size of Replenishing Conditioner into your hand and then pull it through the ends of your hair.

5. Let the conditioner say in your hair while you shave then comb it out with a pick comb and rinse.

Without these 2 products I don’t know where I would be. They save my hair every morning! I even made a home made detangler / leave-in-conditioner for the days I don’t wash my hair!

Do you or someone you know struggle with tangled hair? Do you ever wish you had tangle-free hair?

Thank you so much for following along. If you like what you see here you are going to love some of the other things I do. You can check out my Blog Here, follow me on Facebook Here, connected on Instagram Here and watch all of my latest Youtube Videos Here!

I am looking forward to staying in touch!

Until next time, I am Elisabeth from BeautyBlondie.com

Jun 13th

Author information

Elisabeth Heasley

Beauty Contributor

I am a licensed Cosmetologist and I have spent the last 5 years teaching my clients some of the most popular and helpful beauty tips of my trade. I have a passion for wanting to help people be happier, feel healthier and look younger.

7 Bloggers, 7 Pieces, 7 Ways – Remix your Wardrobe!

Natalia — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Hello!!

I am so super excited about today’s post!! I have been waiting for it for a while. Remember a little while back when I took 7 pieces from my closet and remixed them to create 7 different outfits? And then again when I wore only skirts & shorts for a week, remixing again? Or when I showed you how to pack light & still travel in style?

Well, I’m at it again! And this time, I made sure to round up some other fabulous bloggers to showcase how they can remix their closet too! Meet the June remix ‘team’ if you will.

Audrey from Putting Me Together
Hillary from Because My Life is Fascinating
Alison from Get Your Pretty On
Lauren from Style Elixir
Andrea from For the Love of…

Aren’t you excited? So much inspiration!! Let me give you a little run down about the 7×7 Remix and at the end of this post, you’ll have a chance to link up your fashion remix posts as well!

So most of you reading this are women. And most women like to shop. I, myself, am included. However, it can get expensive every time you want to create a new outfit you need to buy a new piece. Enter the idea of shopping your closet. It works for all types of closets too! If you’re like me and don’t have a large wardrobe, it helps you get creative with what you have and not feel the need to shop every chance you get. I also had someone tell me that they actually had a large closet but end up wearing the same outfits all the time. The challenge will help you expand your choices for sure!

For this challenge we each took 7 pieces of clothing, including shoes (yes, that makes it hard!), and remixed it to create 7 different outfits. Jewelry, accessories, hats, scarves don’t count. So accessorize to your hearts content! The rules are super strict, it’s more the spirit of the challenge. So if you link up and don’t have exactly 7 pieces or 7 outfits – I don’t care! I just love that you tried!!

Are you ready for my pieces? Here we go:

Two pairs of shoes, shorts, maxi skirt, maxi dress, orange tee, and gray floral top.

It’s summer, but we’re in the middle of June gloom, so it’s not super hot yet. You have to go with pieces that go together but don’t necessarily match. It definitely makes the remixing easier.

1.) Cute & casual

Shorts // Shirt // Floral Top // Shoes (similar) // Earrings

I recently met a friend at the beach and arrived a little early. Naturally, I drug the boys into an Old Navy that was close by. I bought these shorts and the top was on sale for around $5. The floral shirt is from my first StitchFix box. I wore this to a church picnic and out to see family. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon!

2.) Maxi Dress & Skirt

Maxi Dress // Maxi Skirt // Shoes (similar)

I bought the Maxi dress from Kris&Kate a little bit ago and LOVE it. It’s got that fun flowy top part which made it perfect to pair with the maxi skirt! (also from Kris&Kate) I added the red belt to add some color and pulled the skirt up to have it higher on the waist. Red lips and feather earrings to finish it off! Oh and you can get 5% off anything at Kris & Kate by using the code Nouvelle5.

3.) Super Casual

Shirt // Shorts // Shoes (similar)

This is perfect for your everyday summer day. Flats, shorts, & a tee. I tied the tee to the side to give it a little something different. I recently bought an orange Revlon lipstick that is fab-u-lous. I mean, it’s the perfect orange. I will be wearing it a lot this summer.

4.) Plain Maxi

Dress // Shoes (similar) // Sunglasses

This is the Kris&Kate maxi I was telling you about. And if you haven’t checked them out, do it now, they’re fabulous. I get their e-mails so I always know when there’s a deal. I bought this one and the skirt. Remember you can also use the code Nouvelle5 for 5%. Isn’t it a fun tribal print? And I absolutely love the top of it. So pretty & flattering.

5.) Maxi Skirt & Tee

Shirt // Maxi // Shoes (similar)// Belt (similar)

For this outfit I pulled down the skirt to more on my hips, wore my leopard flats & belt with the orange top. Done! Super easy, pretty outfit for everyday. These are the kinds of outfits I love as a mom. You are comfortable and can be active but you’re still cute. This skirt will be a summer staple!

6.) Floral Shirt with Shorts

Shirt // Shorts // Shoes (similar) // Earrings // Sunglasses (similar)

It’s funny, I never thought about pairing these two together until this remix challenge! In fact, I didn’t have this shirt as a part of my 7 until I saw it and threw it on. Then I knew I had to incorporate it. I’m glad I did too, it worked so well! My husband really liked this outfit too. Another one where you’re cute & casual & still practical.

7.) Maxi skirt dressed up

Shirt // Skirt // Necklace (sold out – but here’s theire necklaces)// Shoes

This (and #6) are my favorite outfits that came out of this remix challenge. I wore this to church on Sunday and it was perfect. I tucked the shirt all the way in & pulled the skirt a little higher & added a thick belt. I wish you could see the necklace better, it’s a beautiful a-thread necklace, I love it. I wore my orange lipstick again. I think I wore it everyday after buying it. And my hair (it’s getting longer!) is parted down the middle with some beachy curls.

I wanted to show you a quick close up of the earrings I wore a few times. They’re a beautiful coral-orange and went perfectly with all my outfits for this challenge, I had to try to wear other pieces! They’re from an online boutique called INPINK and they’re offering 30% off using the code NATALIA30.

OKAY! Guess what? It’s your turn! We have a link up below, you can link your remix fashion posts below! If you tried the challenge and didn’t make it to 7 outfits – no problem, link up! If you remixed 1 piece 3 ways – no problem, link up! Any post with the ‘spirit of the challenge’ we’d love to see them!

Don’t forget! Share your outfits & posts via Instagram & Twitter using the hashtag #7x7remix and we will be able to check them out! There’s gonna be so much inspiration!

I’d love it if you checked out all the hosts listed at the beginning of this post. If you’re a blogger & you’d like to be involved, e-mail me! (natalia@manouvellemode.com) Here they are again for your convenience:

Audrey from Putting Me Together
Hillary from Because My Life is Fascinating
Alison from Get Your Pretty On
Lauren from Style Elixir
Andrea from For the Love of…

Alrighty – link up below! Can’t wait to see what ya’ll got!

Jun 12th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Lemme upgrade you

Natalia — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Okay, so I’m a mom. You all might have known that. And I love my boys to the moon and back, but I’m not your typical mom. I try to not let them completely absorb me and try to maintain pieces of my life for myself and for my husband.

Most of the time it’s the little things in life. Like taking an extra 5 minutes to have your coffee in the morning. Because we all know what an extra five minutes can do, right ladies? Some of the time, however, I want to really treat myself.

For example, I came back to America on May 3rd and my husband stayed there. Then there was a problem with some paper work so he had to stay longer. So basically for the last almost month I was a single mom. MAJOR props to all you single mamas out there because it is hard! So I think I deserve an award, don’t you? And if I could send a little gift to all the single mamas out there, I totally would.

So with my last StitchFix box, you know what I did? I bought it all. hehe! I love it! I never do things like that! I hardly ever shop at all, in fact. And here I am buying 5 pieces that weren’t even on sale! Can we say upgrade? Yes, lemme lemme upgrade you. {In my best Beyonce voice}

I can’t tell you how much of a difference this made for me. It was relatively simple, but it made such an impact! I have two new tops, a dress, and a necklace just like that! I feel better about myself and feel great about adding to my wardrobe that desperately needs it! Want to see my upgrade? I made a cute little video, I hope you like it!

I went out and bought the Schick Hydro Silk® razor and you guys, it makes all the difference. I am learning in my later years of life that you might want to pay a few extra bucks for something because it gets the job done better! I used to buy things as cheap as I could find them and then get totally angry when it broke or didn’t work right.

My husband has been a great example to me. He spends more money on individual pieces of clothing & items than I do, but he has them for years. And in good condition, it’s amazing!

So when I bought the razor, I wasn’t sure if it’d make much of a difference. But it doesn’t just shave. Oh no. This baby shaves, moisturizes, and cuts my time in half because I only have to do each spot once & I don’t have to moisturize after! It’s got 5 curve sensing blades for a super close shave for all our womanly curves and a water-activated serum that helps add back the moisture that’s taken out when shaving. It helps moisturizes for up to 2 hours after shaving! Now that’s what I’m talking about.

You need an upgrade, don’t you? Don’t worry, you don’t have to convince me! You don’t have to convince the peeps at Schick either, they know you’re worth it.

Enter the Schick Hydro Silk® Razorvention ™ Revamp promotion for a chance to upgrade more than just your razor every single day through the end of June, with fabulous summer prizes in beauty, fashion, fitness and home decor. They’re also giving you a chance to win amazing experiences – from a luxurious spa retreat to a $3000 shopping spree – each time you enter to win one of our daily upgrades. Each day there are new winners chosen and at the end of the week there’s a grand prize! You’re entered to win the Grand Prize each time you enter the daily contest with an extra entrance for sharing on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ . Oh and you get a coupon for $4.00 off your very own Schick Hydro Silk® razor after entering once!

Upgrade your shave with Schick Hydro Silk® razor and you’ll be rewarded with silky smooth, hydrated legs… Once you experience this little bit of fabulousness, you may just want to upgrade some other things in your life too. Now that we’ve established that we’re all worth a little upgrade, go take a tour of the Schick Hydro Silk® Luxury suite and enter to win.

Jun 11th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Parenting – The Good, Bad, Ugly, & all the Beautiful Inbetween

Natalia — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Parenting.

*Sigh*

Isn’t it a hard job? You’ve got these little people entrusted to your care & you have to do you best to keep them alive, let alone train them up to be good people.

But isn’t it beautiful? That even after a long night of no sleep, or attitude issues, or discipline issues you love them more than you thought you would. Not only that, but more than you thought you were capable of loving.

Did you ever think you’d be that mama bear that will go crazy to protect their babies? Well, I didn’t either, but don’t you dare talk bad about my babies because you’ll see that bear come out and trust me, it’s not pretty!

So even though I write a lot about beauty and fashion and all that jazz, I wanted to switch it up a bit. I wanted to write a little bit about parenting.

Because it’s hard. And we all do it differently. But the thing about that is, we could all probably learn a thing or two from each other. I know I’ve learned from just reading comments on my posts!

I wanted to share in hopes that you will all share too. We can make this a lovely community of women who share their ups and downs and ultimately support each other.

There will be no negativity or tearing down in this community! We all do the best we can with what we know how & have no place in judging others ways & choices. Although I’m sure we’ve all been there. Let’s keep this particular place nice and helpful and uplifting.

I made a little video about the first parenting topic I chose: Balance. Why balance? Because it’s hard. And I’m pretty sure we all struggle with it. If you don’t, leave every.single.one. of your tips in the comments, because this mama needs it!

There are my thoughts on balance. Life is one big, beautiful journey we’re on and no one’s perfect. So let’s take the ups with the downs and embrace every part of it.

I would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts on balance. Do you have any tricks? What does your family do for balance in your home? Any advice for the summer months coming up? Share your thoughts here & let’s encourage each other!!

Have a great Monday!

Jun 10th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author

Easy Updo for Shorter Hair

Natalia — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I feel like my life has been a little cray-cray lately. And not in a bad way, just in a really busy, can’t slow down kind of way. I like it. I would rather be busy than bored, although my husband is the opposite. Opposites attract, right? Well, so far it’s worked for us.

He just got back from France a week ago. Gosh, I can’t believe it’s only been a week!! I had the VIP Land of Nod party Thursday – the day after my husband got home, then I had to work a wedding in Malibu, and immediately drive down to San Diego for a wedding reception for my cousin. The Monday we spent in downtown LA with my other cousins who I adore (and so do the kids). Wednesday was spent at the beach with a dear friend from college who visiting and yesterday was work catch up & I didn’t leave the house. PHEW!

Today I am still in my sweats, although I have to get dressed at some point because I need to get some stuff done. Today is day 3 of my 7×7 challenge. Are you joining us next week?

I do have a hair tutorial for you all! I made it while I was still in France, so it’s a little old, but is pretty all the same! It’s easy, like most of mine are, and perfect for the summer months. If you like it, feel free to pin & share, I always like that!

So like I mentioned, it’s easy. I show you some products in the video that I used and I’m going to link to them here. I am adding a few because I have recently acquired them and they are fab-u-lous.

If you want to dry your hair, always start with a root lifting spray. I have been using Root Pump by Big Sexy Hair and really like it. Previously I used Aquage which is also very good, just harder to find in stores. I really feel like these are a must have when styling your hair. It’s just hard to get the tease to stay & the style to work right without them.

I also have been using Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Gel. I’m obsessed. I already have thick hair but this just add so much volume, it’s insane. I recommend it to all my brides I style and use it when I blow dry. Even if I’m not doing a completely blow dry, I still use it because it helps with styling.

In this video I use dry shampoo at the roots to help the tease stay. It’s a nice little trick. I wouldn’t recommend the one I was using in the video, but Rockaholic has a good one I use on clients.

Lastly — but most certainly not least! — would be hairspray. It’s perfect for any look and a must have. My current favorite is Redken Control Addict 28. It smells nice and has an amazing hold. My second favorite is Kenra 25. It has an amazing hold but doesn’t smell as nice. So either is good, I guess it’s just a preference!

Wow, that’s a lot of info! I just really believe that half the work for creating a style is in the products you use. So get one or a few of these and give them a try! Maybe you’ll see they’re all the difference.

I hope you like this style & are able to give it a try! Thanks for watching & reading and I’ll see ya soon.

Have a great day!

Jun 07th

Author information

Natalia

Owner & Author