Archives for April 2014

Cool Spring Styles for Kids at The Children’s Place

When it comes to buying clothes for my kids, The Children’s Place is my go-to store.

Ever since Ava was a newborn, I’ve been shopping at the kid-centric store. They have fashionable clothes that are comfortable and affordable.  Usually when you find kids’ clothing that isn’t overly expensive, the quality is usually compromised. Luckily, that is not the case at The Children’s Place.

Ava-TCPAva visiting The Children’s Place located in Union Square (NYC). 

From seasonal dresses to fun graphic tees to girly accessories, Ava always enjoys a visit to TCP. The fact that there’s one only 3 blocks away from our apartment makes it even easier and convenient to stop by and browse the latest styles. In fact, we’ve been to the store three times in the last two weeks!

Now that I have a 6-month-old son, I’ve been hitting up the boys’ side of the store and have been equally impressed. The items aren’t overrun with licensed characters, which is a nod to its design aesthetic. The clothes are on-trend and practical.

It’s hard to believe that TCP wasn’t established until 1989 (when I was 9-years-old). I don’t remember ever shopping there as a child, but if I had, I probably would’ve been one of the best-dressed kids on the block!

Check out some of my favorite looks for spring:

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Watercolor Floral Jacket available here, $27

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Icon Sweatshirt available here, $9.50

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Floral Jeggings available here, $12

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Smile Rainbow Bag available here, $6

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Plaid Shirt available here, $12

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Full-Zip Hoodie available here, $10

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Camo Knit Cargo Pants available here, $6

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Boys Camera Graphic Tee available here, $6

*Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of a gift card for this post.

 

Do you shop at The Children’s Place? If not, where do you like to shop for kids’ clothes?

No Sugar, No Sweat

Hello, my name is Karla and I’m a candy fanatic.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a killer sweet tooth for Skittles, Starburts, and my all-time favorite— gummy bears. In fact, since my son was born last September, I’ve been consuming on average a pound of gummy bears a week ! Although I do work out here and there, I know that I need to change my snacking habits for my health and to be a good example for my children.

That’s why I’m excited to take the #AveenoDailyChallenge! I’m ditching my go-to sugar fixes for healthier fruit options for the next 3 weeks. Instead of gummy bears I’ll be munching on strawberries, apples and pineapples. Plus, I plan on pampering my skin with Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion as an additional part of the challenge to keep it smooth and supple for spring.

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I know omitting candy from my life won’t be easy, especially with Easter (my favorite holiday) only a couple of weeks away, but I’m committed to completing this challenge. I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever done a similar challenge? If so, do you have any advice for going cold turkey?

 

Beauty News: Lupita Nyong’o Is the New Face of Lancôme

Brown girl beauty buffs rejoice, Lupita Nyong’o is the new face of Lancôme!

It comes as no surprise that the gorgeous Academy Award winner, 31, has partnered with a huge beauty brand. It was simply a question of which cosmetics company would be lucky to team up with the lovely Lupita first. Looks like Lancôme scored.

Lupita-lancomePhoto Credit: Lancôme

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” the actress said in a release.

Lupita joins fellow Hollywood heavy-hitters, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz, as ambassadors for the French-based luxury beauty retailer.

“Both talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices, Lupita is by essence the Lancôme woman,” stated Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International. “A strikingly beautiful and intelligent woman, serenely but strongly living her life her own way, Lupita has this special kind of aura both enlightening and deep.”

Hopefully, Lancôme will continue to celebrate beauty of all shades by expanding their products to include more options that complement women with darker skin tones.

Congratulations to Lupita and kudos to Lancôme!

Does this partnership make you more inclined to use Lancôme products?

GIVEAWAY: Essence of Beauty Bath & Body Collection

I’ve never been a  perfume type of girl, but that doesn’t hold true when it comes to bath and body products.

Instead of spritzing on the latest bottled perfume, I’d prefer to lather on lotions and shower gels that are refreshingly fragrant, such as the Essence of Beauty line.

It’s my current favorite because their lotions, gels and body mists provide just the right amount of fragrance without being too overpowering. Exclusively available at CVS, the collection includes a variety of scents that are expertly crafted by master perfumers. The shower gel is a true treat. It cleanses without stripping away natural moisture, while the body lotion seals it in. Finally, the body mist serves as a refreshing splash that provides the last layer of fragrance.

Essence-of-BeautyEssence of Beauty collection (bath and shower gel, body lotion, body mist and hand cream) available here, starting $5.99

Whether you’re fond of floral, citrusy, sweet or woodsy smells, this line offers a series of fragrances to suit your scent style. Plus, they’re free of parabens, artificial dyes, petrolatum and gluten, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

**What’s your favorite scent? Are you into fruity, sweet, woodsy, or cool/clean fragrances? Two lucky readers will win an Essence of Beauty collection (4 products). Simply leave a comment stating your favorite scent and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next Tuesday, April 9th. This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.