What is my newest family addition, if not another reason to shop?? There are so many fabulous things out there - even new goodies since I was in baby shoppin mode 3 years ago - that I have to watch myself. No really. In order to help me do that I've become very good friends with two websites that operate similarly but a little different from one another:
www.Babysteals.com: Babysteals is a great website run by Utah mamas that offers great baby, child, and maternity items at very discounted prices (often around 1/2 off!). Each day, at 10am central time, they list a new "steal". (For instance today is GroBaby cloth diapering system for half off!) You can sign up to get email notices of each deal (however I do note that a lot of times the emails don't go out until well after 10am and sometimes the bargains can be gone by then!! yes - we bargain shoppin mamas are not to be messed with) I've done quite a bit of damage here - but to great ends. I've been introduced to wonderful products (Aden & Anias muslin swaddling blankets - MUST have) and also gotten my hands on things I wouldn't have sprung for at full price (Ergo Organic embroidered carrier) all at a major cost savings. On top of that shipping is always reasonable and quick!
www.Mamabargains.com: Mamabargains is similar but operates a bit differently. This site has great deals similar to those offered by Babysteals (great items at deep discounts) but they offer new items on a constant rotation. In other words, they will offer a deal, and once it is gone, they quickly post up a new one. So instead of one deal a day you have access to many! It is tricky (and addictive) to keep checking in but its worth it! I've just started following Mamabargains and already made my first purchase yesterday (Amon Maternity's - Forgive Bodyshaper... not that I need it... ahem). This site has multiple shipping options from First Class mail to overnight UPS. You choose.
Happy mama shopping ... and as I tell my husband, these deals are so good the items are "practically free". Feel free to steal that one.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Skinny Jeans For Not So Skinny People
One trend I haven't been able to get into - literally - is the Skinny Jean. Not that I don't love the vibe, but trying to put tailored denim on a pear = not a good look. If the hips fit, the legs would be too wide and look silly. If the legs fit, well lets just say we all know that muffin tops should relegate themselves to a breakfast food only - they do not belong on 30-something women.
All that changed when I found out about Hue's Skinny Jeanz from a friend. You may know Hue as a hosiery company (great tights, etc) but they have hit the mark with these great leggings. They are made to look like jeans, but are a stretchy legging. The zipper and pockets on the front are faux but they do have real back pockets. The best thing is that they fit ALL body types! So now I can wear that skinny-jeans-with-huge-cowl-neck-sweater-and-boots look that I've been eyeing for fall and not feel either silly or in pain. One hint - do order one size up if you're anywhere on the line between sizes. My post preggo bod is currently between an 8-10 in pants size, and I got the large. I'm glad I did. While they are leggings they don't stretch as much as your typical lycra leggings in order to keep that denim look and shape.
They come in blue and black (the black being more a really dark charcoal - much nicer than harsh black) and I've seen them floating around in white as well as some jewel tones!
Here are the full jeanz
And here are their capris
So go rock that look you've been craving even if your body isn't going to be rocking the runway anytime soon!
All that changed when I found out about Hue's Skinny Jeanz from a friend. You may know Hue as a hosiery company (great tights, etc) but they have hit the mark with these great leggings. They are made to look like jeans, but are a stretchy legging. The zipper and pockets on the front are faux but they do have real back pockets. The best thing is that they fit ALL body types! So now I can wear that skinny-jeans-with-huge-cowl-neck-sweater-and-boots look that I've been eyeing for fall and not feel either silly or in pain. One hint - do order one size up if you're anywhere on the line between sizes. My post preggo bod is currently between an 8-10 in pants size, and I got the large. I'm glad I did. While they are leggings they don't stretch as much as your typical lycra leggings in order to keep that denim look and shape.
They come in blue and black (the black being more a really dark charcoal - much nicer than harsh black) and I've seen them floating around in white as well as some jewel tones!
Here are the full jeanz
And here are their capris
So go rock that look you've been craving even if your body isn't going to be rocking the runway anytime soon!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Everyday Things I Heart
Ok so most of us can't spend a week's paycheck on products like Creme De La Mer every month. In that vein I wanted to share some of my grocery- and drugstore finds that I love. And also share a few I wanted to love - but didn't.
1) Garnier Length and Strength shampoo/conditioner: I have tried everything from Bumble & Bumble to Fekkai and in general been let down. Out of sheer rebellious frustration (and to earn brownie points with hubbs) I bought this at the grocery store late last year. While it says its for "hard to grow long" hair, mine was already longish - but also very tired and dull. After using this for about four months, I went to my hair dresser. She commented more than once on how healthy my hair was and even told me while styling that backcombing may not stay in my hair since it was soooo silky smooth! I totally love this stuff and have re-purchased when my old bottles ran out instead of hunting for something "new" or "better". That's a miracle!
2) Oil of Olay Touch of Sun moisturizer: I have skin that tans easily. Which is wonderful if you tan. But I don't. So that means instead I have these lovely jaundice-yellow undertones that make me look ill instead. I looked and looked for a moisturizer that would add subtle color (NOT a facial self tanner) but one that was kind to my skin as well. This is the one. I have used it for over a year now and love it. No orange color build up; absolutely no streaking or splotching, and it gives wonderful subtle color. I put it on after washing my face, let it soak in all of a minute or so, and then apply makeup. I've never had an issue and my skin is great as a result.
3) Sally Hanson Airbrushed Legs: I was turned onto this by a friend (thanks Sarah!) and love it. For those of us that don't have time (or desire) to keep applying self tanner every few days this is a great one-off event solution. You spray it on your hands and then smear it all over your legs (i.e. you do not spray it on your legs like an airbrushed tan). It gives great coverage and color (not orange or streaky and nicely semi-opaque) but won't wear off on clothing or if caught in a light rain and doesn't look "painted". You do have to use soap and a scrubbie to get it off in the shower - but I like that... that means it has staying power and won't wilt halfway through my day!
4) Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean face cleanser: Ok so not truly a grocery store find, but not too expensive at $19 a tube and that tube will last FOREVER. It takes only a pea-sized amount each time you cleanse and its amazing. I use only water, cleanser and my hands when I wash my face - always have - and this stuff gets it all off. Even my eye makup! But at the same time its gentle and has a refreshing soft scent. I doubt I'll ever use anything else as long as EL cooperates and keeps this one in rotation!
5) Oil of Olay Quench lotion for Extra Dry Skin: I have dry skin. Like really, really dry. Like "I have never not had alligator legs during summer until I found this stuff" dry. This lotion is the ONLY lotion I've ever used that will keep my skin soft and moisturized for the true 24 hours it claims. Even more if on the weekends I skip a shower day (shhhhh). Not much more to say other than fab...its the only lotion I'll use. And that was reinforced by a momentary stray you'll read about below....
Things that were not so hot:
1) Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion: Ok for some reason I decided to stray from my lovely Quench in order to try and get some color on my legs. I picked up this lotion one day at the store counting on it being as gradual and perfect as my Olay Touch of Sun facial moisturizer. Plus it had a firming agent to battle cellulite! Boy was this heaven! Wrong-o. After one use I had streaks on my legs and splotching around my ankles and knees. This has WAY too much self tanner in it and not enough of whatever else its supposed to do. After a week I threw it out. There's nothing natural about it.
2) Aquafresh Iso Active Lasting Impact toothpaste: I have some weird obsession with trying new toothpastes. Whatever catchy marketing or new bottle/tube comes along I have to give it a whirl. I had been quasi-faithful to my Aquafresh Extreme Clean so I thought when this new "Iso Active" came out I'd give it a whirl. Cool new "shaving cream-esque" can and it's made to go with my Sonicare toothbrush. Perfect? Not quite. While the toothpaste tastes great and does turn into a neat "rabid dog" foam, my big beef..... it drools out tons of mess after every use!! All down the can - and thus all over your counter (and hands!). If you read the can it even suggests wiping down the nozzle after each use! Who has the time or inclination?? Not me. In addition, whatever it has in it, after using it for a week or so I noticed little strings of lip skin inside my mouth - as if the inside of my lips were peeling! I stopped the paste, that stopped. I started using it again, it was back. That doesn't sound good to me.
1) Garnier Length and Strength shampoo/conditioner: I have tried everything from Bumble & Bumble to Fekkai and in general been let down. Out of sheer rebellious frustration (and to earn brownie points with hubbs) I bought this at the grocery store late last year. While it says its for "hard to grow long" hair, mine was already longish - but also very tired and dull. After using this for about four months, I went to my hair dresser. She commented more than once on how healthy my hair was and even told me while styling that backcombing may not stay in my hair since it was soooo silky smooth! I totally love this stuff and have re-purchased when my old bottles ran out instead of hunting for something "new" or "better". That's a miracle!
2) Oil of Olay Touch of Sun moisturizer: I have skin that tans easily. Which is wonderful if you tan. But I don't. So that means instead I have these lovely jaundice-yellow undertones that make me look ill instead. I looked and looked for a moisturizer that would add subtle color (NOT a facial self tanner) but one that was kind to my skin as well. This is the one. I have used it for over a year now and love it. No orange color build up; absolutely no streaking or splotching, and it gives wonderful subtle color. I put it on after washing my face, let it soak in all of a minute or so, and then apply makeup. I've never had an issue and my skin is great as a result.
3) Sally Hanson Airbrushed Legs: I was turned onto this by a friend (thanks Sarah!) and love it. For those of us that don't have time (or desire) to keep applying self tanner every few days this is a great one-off event solution. You spray it on your hands and then smear it all over your legs (i.e. you do not spray it on your legs like an airbrushed tan). It gives great coverage and color (not orange or streaky and nicely semi-opaque) but won't wear off on clothing or if caught in a light rain and doesn't look "painted". You do have to use soap and a scrubbie to get it off in the shower - but I like that... that means it has staying power and won't wilt halfway through my day!
4) Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean face cleanser: Ok so not truly a grocery store find, but not too expensive at $19 a tube and that tube will last FOREVER. It takes only a pea-sized amount each time you cleanse and its amazing. I use only water, cleanser and my hands when I wash my face - always have - and this stuff gets it all off. Even my eye makup! But at the same time its gentle and has a refreshing soft scent. I doubt I'll ever use anything else as long as EL cooperates and keeps this one in rotation!
5) Oil of Olay Quench lotion for Extra Dry Skin: I have dry skin. Like really, really dry. Like "I have never not had alligator legs during summer until I found this stuff" dry. This lotion is the ONLY lotion I've ever used that will keep my skin soft and moisturized for the true 24 hours it claims. Even more if on the weekends I skip a shower day (shhhhh). Not much more to say other than fab...its the only lotion I'll use. And that was reinforced by a momentary stray you'll read about below....
Things that were not so hot:
1) Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion: Ok for some reason I decided to stray from my lovely Quench in order to try and get some color on my legs. I picked up this lotion one day at the store counting on it being as gradual and perfect as my Olay Touch of Sun facial moisturizer. Plus it had a firming agent to battle cellulite! Boy was this heaven! Wrong-o. After one use I had streaks on my legs and splotching around my ankles and knees. This has WAY too much self tanner in it and not enough of whatever else its supposed to do. After a week I threw it out. There's nothing natural about it.
2) Aquafresh Iso Active Lasting Impact toothpaste: I have some weird obsession with trying new toothpastes. Whatever catchy marketing or new bottle/tube comes along I have to give it a whirl. I had been quasi-faithful to my Aquafresh Extreme Clean so I thought when this new "Iso Active" came out I'd give it a whirl. Cool new "shaving cream-esque" can and it's made to go with my Sonicare toothbrush. Perfect? Not quite. While the toothpaste tastes great and does turn into a neat "rabid dog" foam, my big beef..... it drools out tons of mess after every use!! All down the can - and thus all over your counter (and hands!). If you read the can it even suggests wiping down the nozzle after each use! Who has the time or inclination?? Not me. In addition, whatever it has in it, after using it for a week or so I noticed little strings of lip skin inside my mouth - as if the inside of my lips were peeling! I stopped the paste, that stopped. I started using it again, it was back. That doesn't sound good to me.
That's all I've got for today kiddies! I'll be back to review my Nordy's finds and some great baby items soon!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
More to come....
Well my friends I have been busy at work obtaining blog fodder! I have a package waiting at home for me from Nordy's full of goodies to tell you about. I have yet another new pair of shoes to discuss (but see, these are athletic shoes, so really its hardly even a shoe purchase at all - more a necessity!) and some great baby finds to tell you about!
In the meantime I offer you a present for your patience!! An invite to join Gilt Group. If you haven't heard of it, its a "wait list" or "invite only" discount group that offers A-list designer items for deeeep discounts. I'm talking names like Vera Wang, L.A.M.B, Roberto Cavalli, DVF, and on and on. Sometimes they even offer adorable high end baby/children's clothes! There are new deals at noon EST each day!
So, if you'd like in on the goodies, feel free to use me as an invite. In the interest of full disclosure I think I do get something like a $20 store credit if I refer "so many" people, but that's not my focus. (Honest Abe!) I'm more interested in sharing the love with all my readers!!
http://www.gilt.com/invite/kholzer
In the meantime I offer you a present for your patience!! An invite to join Gilt Group. If you haven't heard of it, its a "wait list" or "invite only" discount group that offers A-list designer items for deeeep discounts. I'm talking names like Vera Wang, L.A.M.B, Roberto Cavalli, DVF, and on and on. Sometimes they even offer adorable high end baby/children's clothes! There are new deals at noon EST each day!
So, if you'd like in on the goodies, feel free to use me as an invite. In the interest of full disclosure I think I do get something like a $20 store credit if I refer "so many" people, but that's not my focus. (Honest Abe!) I'm more interested in sharing the love with all my readers!!
http://www.gilt.com/invite/kholzer
Friday, June 18, 2010
Final Shoe of the Week: Friday
Ok, so for all the flak I've been getting about skyscraper heels, and for my spending habits, I now present to you, my final shoe of the day:
Target's Xhiliration "Saniya" Black Patent Pointy Toe Flats:
Flat shoes, rubber flex-sole, and on CLEARANCE for $6.98. So there! I do love the rubber flex soles, but right now my heels are not loving the inevitable blisters that are headed their way.... bummer.
I also realized today that I am in one of my "head-to-toe" Target modes. In honor of the Bulls-eye Boutique, and my loyalty thereto, here is the rest of my ensemble:
Merona Deep Wash Jeans with No Gap Waistband:
Mossimo Studded Black Racerback Tank:
With Mossimo's Black Layering Cardigan overtop:
And yes, even my underthings are Target-bought however I will spare you (and my mother's feelings) and just leave it at that.
So my week of shoes is at its end. A little sad, yes, but at least I get to keep the spoils of my adventure and wear them again and again. Ok some more than others..... next on the review "to do" list? Dr. Scholl's gel insert for heels. Hey if that chick from What Not To Wear hawks them they have to be great right? We'll see!!!
Target's Xhiliration "Saniya" Black Patent Pointy Toe Flats:
Flat shoes, rubber flex-sole, and on CLEARANCE for $6.98. So there! I do love the rubber flex soles, but right now my heels are not loving the inevitable blisters that are headed their way.... bummer.
I also realized today that I am in one of my "head-to-toe" Target modes. In honor of the Bulls-eye Boutique, and my loyalty thereto, here is the rest of my ensemble:
Merona Deep Wash Jeans with No Gap Waistband:
Mossimo Studded Black Racerback Tank:
With Mossimo's Black Layering Cardigan overtop:
And yes, even my underthings are Target-bought however I will spare you (and my mother's feelings) and just leave it at that.
So my week of shoes is at its end. A little sad, yes, but at least I get to keep the spoils of my adventure and wear them again and again. Ok some more than others..... next on the review "to do" list? Dr. Scholl's gel insert for heels. Hey if that chick from What Not To Wear hawks them they have to be great right? We'll see!!!
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