My Fashion WEEKend Part 2

Day 2 of my Fashion WEEKend and I was exhausted. Not only had I stayed up almost all night with a migraine before NYC, I went out during the snow storm just to prove I could still hang. Apparently, I can't. Thank goodness for my awesome skincare and make up pieces from Artistry Beauty otherwise, I would look beat.

 Selfies for instagram on my look for Artistry Beauty for NYFW. Check out the cramped bathroom space, typical NYC hotel room. I used the Creme LX and it instantly made my skin look more alive than I have ever seen it before. More about that tomorrow.

The products I used to create my look. This gloss was on my "questionable" list at first, only because I wear bright almost daily,but I got so many hits on my instagram and Facebook regarding this color, not to mention the in person compliments. I've been wearing it daily since.

 I needed to be comfortable so I rocked my new high tops that I bought the night before, my leather shorts, blazer, vegan fur and a Gia Luxe bag.

I missed the media call time for Ruffian backstage but I caught the show which was pretty awesome, since I had an actual seat and not standing room. I did get to chat with an artist from the actual show so I still was able to cover it.

Fellow Latina MUA working her magic backstage at Christian Siriano. I was able to chat with her on behalf of Latina Magazine. She was able to give me insight at Ruffian and saved the day!

Christian Siriano and Polly Osmond, lead artist for the show, going over a few things.

Super sweet, the both of them. The show was a HUGE success with rave reviews across the board. He is here to stay folks. I covered the make up for Latina. 

This was the moment I actually realized I had credentials, clout, a press pass and backstage access. I mean, so far I had gone backstage a few times and have gone in and out of the tents so much the security guards stop asking for my credentials but this was a moment of epic proportions. 

Watching the hair get styled and getting to interview, legendary hair goddess, Odile Gilberts for Kérastase Paris was just as epic. It was nerve wrecking at first but let me tell you that people that are at the top of their fields are very sweet and easy going. It is the interns, assistants and the nobodies that are plain nasty. Odile just was...well...just was so chill. 

Day two was done so I rewarded myself with a glass of sangria and an early dinner at Tio Pol. Best tapas ever and the group sitting next to me had to stop and ask if I was an actress or someone famous. I responded with "I'm just a mom from Chicago. I'm a nobody." They didn't buy it and I ended up taking a picture with one of them. 

Yeah, I almost fell for this trick in Mexico. Nice try, NYC. Nice try.

I finally get back to my room and my phone buzzes. I'm off to The Standard to cover Latino designer Alejandro Ingelmo.

I almost walked out with these but I was too tired to make a run for it so instead, I hailed a cab and headed back downtown. I spent that night in, writing all my coverage and prepping instagrams for Latina Magazine. I had 3 cups of deliciously disgusting room coffee, that legit was a blend of feet and funk, before calling it a night at 1 am. The next day was sure to be easier....

A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association. Thoughts and opinions written here do not reflect any of my brand sponsorships nor do they reflect upon those who I write for on a freelance basis. Gia Luxe bag was on loan from the designer. 

My Fashion WEEKend Part 1

As snowmageddon was about to hit the East coast, I caught the last flight out. I was NYC bound.  Unfortunately, this mom was dealing with slight heartbreak as my little one was getting over a 24 hour bug but daddy day care was open for business and I was off. Check out a few images from my Instagram and trusty iPhone during the busiest 3 days ever!

 I tried fitting so much into a carry on, I'm surprised they didn't make me check it in, which wouldn't have mattered. They now charge $50 for a carry on! Seriously?

 Picked up this awesome skirt last minute and of course never wore it.

 I was afraid I wouldn't get in on time but I made it to the Noon By Noor Show and lucky me, I had a seat. Back row of course, but who's complaining.

 I had to check my make up because of course, it was done in a cab on the way to the tents. This felt tip liquid eyeliner from Artistry Beauty is all I was raving about to ANYONE who would listen. DONE.IN.CAB.

I check my instagram feed and what do I see? I'm on Latina's instagram. From now until Thursday if you put your look up on instagram with the hashtag #LatinaFW you could win some awesome prizes.

 The show was getting to be to much so before I ruined them, I ran to H&M on 59th and Columbus and grabbed the pair I would end up wearing almost all weekend.

 I was lucky enough to sit in on a chat with legendary designer, Carmen Marc Valvo who just showed his new collection that includes shoes! Oh and wait for it...lingerie is next! Thank you Style Coalition for inviting Latina.

 After a late lunch at 4 and my first meal of the day, I ran back to the tents to catch the Nicole Miller show. The snow was coming down hard but I'm from Chicago, it was child's play.

 By the time the Charlotte Ronson presentation started, it legit was snowing in the tents as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

But I had a friend from Chicago in town, so I thickened my liner back at my hotel and threw on some gloss from Artistry Beauty and headed out for some sushi. You can ask my husband, the only way to get me away from the pjs and out the door, is the promise of sushi.

Bag by Gia Luxe Chicago.

This was just the first day and you wouldn't have guess it to be the easiest. I made it in bed by midnight EST but my body hit that bed like a pile of rocks! Come back tomorrow for a recap of Day 2 and a recreation of one of the hottest runway looks!

A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association.

Sick Day

source

 I haven't slept a wink, Analiese has been throwing up all day and all I can say is "blogging? Ain't nobody got time for that!" All jokes aside, it has been a whirl wind sort of day. Time to play nurse and hopefully she is 100% better here shortly.  See you tomorrow...

How to Wear Spring Trends Now with Very Pashmina

Well, you guys remember when I did some styling work for a site called VeryPashmina? Well, I now wrote a piece for their blog. This article went live yesterday, and came at a perfect time. I'm still not fully packed for New York Fashion Week, and I leave in less than 43 hours. I could use a few of my own tips!

Follow me to Fashion Week

So if you follow me on Twitter then you know I'm heading out to New York Fashion Week. I'll be heading for just 3 days and 2 nights though, motherly guilt doesn't let me travel longer than that sans my little one. What I didn't mention is how awesome it is going to be check out beauty trends and report back to you all on behalf of Artistry Beauty.  So if you aren't following on Twitter or on Instagram yet, I'd strongly suggest you get on that or you'll miss out on so much starting this Friday. While you are at in...hit up Facebook, just in case.




Disclaimer: Artistry is sponsoring this trip. This is my reaction.

You Are What You Eat: The Healthy Skin Diet

I do not usually talk about nutrition but I do believe that what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin. I know, because shamefully, I was a smoker for longer than I care to admit. I didn't see it then but I see the damage now. Science says you can reverse it with injections and knives but that sounds expensive, painful and the results are sometimes worse, in my opinion. I say you can reverse it, naturally and with icing on top. Oh yes, these tasty treats have enough antioxidants to have that inner youth jump out and praise the heavens. 

 Avocados

Who would have thought to make avocados into cheesecake but I thank them. Avocados contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidants to helps fight free radicals in the body. Being rich in antioxidants, avocado is beneficial in preventing aging symptoms. The glutathione in avocado may boosts immune systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.

Mangoes

Try it fresh or even in this pudding recipe. Mangos clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples.

Nutrition by the Numbers
One cup (225 gms contain) contains the following. Percentages apply to daily value.

• 105 calories
• 76 percent vitamin C (antioxidant and immune booster)
• 25 percent vitamin A  (antioxidant and vision)

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-mangos.html#ixzz2I4hvExRi

Blackberries
Rich in antioxidants, blackberries are a great super food. As are all berries, blackberries are a great source of ellagic acid, an antioxidant shown to protect the skin from damage from ultraviolet light. Studies have also shown that ellagic acid may also repair skin damaged by the sun. Vitamin C helps heal wounds, and studies also show vitamin C may even lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Get your dose in these yummy muffins.

 Brazil Nuts
One of the richest food sources in antioxidants and can be made into a delightful treat like these cookies from Dan Lepard. Brazil nuts are the #1 plant source of selenium . The natural function of selenium in the human body is in the facilitation of glutatione, an enzyme that fights cancer causing free radicals. Selenium helps skin health by improving elasticity of the skin as glutathione also combats free radicals that can deteriorate skin collagen. It also is helpful in combating skin cancer.*

Kale
While kale doesn't sound so sweet, I can assure you that in a smoothie it is delicious. Deep green kale contains the highest levels of antioxidants of all vegetables and a good source of vitamin c. I've mentioned a million times how much Kale smoothie I drink and my skin has looked brighter and more refreshed. So much so, people have commented after just one week! Here is another recipe.

Disclaimer: All images coincide with the recipes linked. Sources (in italic) on health benefits can be found here, here, here and finally here.

Gratitude and the Work Load {Motherhood Monday}

photo via my instagram

I sometimes take for granted how lucky I have been. Let me rephrase that. It seems as though I always take for granted what I have. I was given a gentle reminder not too long ago. I work outside of the home now no more than 2-3 days a week. Financially, it is not always ideal for our lifestyle, but it works. I dedicate the rest of the week to my blog and my side project which mainly I do from home or the occasional Starbucks, though that is rare these days. I get side tracked though. A lot. It took a little gentle reminder from my husband to finally get the ball rolling. To make a long story short, he basically said to either do it or shut up about it and stop worrying if I do it by myself because ultimately, I have always done it by myself. He will help me when it gets to be too much, but if I wanted something so bad, no one was going to give it to me but me. If I fail, what do I lose? Nothing because ultimately he works crazy long hours so I can do what I want, when I want and where I want. It is not a luxury most of us have but a luxury I have been lucky enough to have been given. To add icing to the cake, he usually washes the dishes after dinner, he cleaned up after our Superbowl party and a few weekends ago cleaned most of the house while I was away so I can get organized, and then he put our daughter to bed by himself while I was home. That last one is a rarity and one that touched my heart more than he would ever think it would. I do get tired because working from home with a hyped up toddler is not always ideal, but I do get to spend a lot of time with her during these early years. So, to my husband, who yells when I spend too much, gets grossed out at my obsessive midnight munchies, who thinks my mean sarcasm is hilarious and who does so much for our daughter and way too much for me, thank you. For allowing me to enjoy the job I've always wanted...motherhood.


PS You can now find him on Twitter as of yesterday most likely discussing sports or politics. I'm sure it will be mainly about sports...and politics.