Slave to Tracy

As of Monday, I have resigned myself to being a slave to Tracy Anderson - for at least the next 90 days.  I am trying out the latest and greatest to come from her, the Metamorphosis Method. 

And let me tell you, she's a slave driver.  The cardio routine nearly killed me Monday morning.  I felt faint and was dying for a latte (coffee is not allowed on the program, also killing me). 

Here's her spiel:

In the newly released Metamorphosis by Tracy, you will transform your body, defy your genetics, and create the body that you never thought possible. Prepare to be challenged throughout this 90-day program that includes 9 discs of transforming muscular structure work, designed for your specific body types, a cardio component, and a dynamic eating plan. Experience this total transformation through your own Metamorphosis!

Now that it's Thursday, I'm feeling much better.  The caffeine situation is taken care of via tea (which normally I hate, but I am really trying to like it), no more headaches, and the cardio has gotten easier!  Now of course the strength portion is getting harder because my muscles are like 'again??' 

The Metamorphosis Method is designed for your specific body shape needs - so you're either Omnicentric (gain weight all over), Hipcentric, Abcentric, or Glutcentric.  I am definitely Abcentric and so the workout is customized to whittle away at the parts that enjoy keeping the weight on them.  ;-)  Included is a diet plan, which I'm not gonna lie, is hard.  But at the end of day 4, I'm kind of used to it!  Day 1 was the toughest.

I can't wait to start seeing some results from this, I'm mentally and physically really ready to get rid of these last irritating 15 lbs from pregnancy that have settled around my midsection.  I'm sure some of you can relate!  It is funny though - I've been physically ready to get rid of the 15 lbs for a while, but it's taken me a while to decide that yes, I can do this.  Anyone else feel this way? 

Lip Service

I have been getting a lot of lip service, that is, in the form of an almost 3 year old who enjoys pretending to be Mommy when she's mad.  eeeeyikes! 

That is when I think to myself, do I really sound like that?  I must, because like it or not, he's a pretty good imitator. 

The lip service that I wanted to share though with you is of a different form - a la Tarte!

Tarte is the maker of my fabulous and still favorite mascara, Lights, Camera, Lashes.  Seriously, if you haven't heard me mention this before, go out and buy it!  It's the BEST mascara out there!

To continue, I was at Sephora the other day browsing around and came across these Tarte LipSurgence lip tints.  I wasn't so sure, because usually these types of things dry out your lips and the color comes across WAY too bright.  Then, I tried them.  Hooooked!  There's a teency bit of sparkle in this 'natural lip luster lip tint,' a lot of shine, and a surprising amount of moisture!

The two I came away with were the bright pink, aka Frisky, and the peachy toned one, Glisten.  I like them both for different reasons, and I also will say they are Mom-tested.  Meaning, I can throw either on with just a coat of mascara and blush and hit up Lil' Kickers with the kiddos or just run to the grocery store.  Neither are too brash or bright or look like you're trying too hard, they look like you tried just hard enough.  ;-)

Anyone have any 'go-to' lipsticks or glosses or tints that you love?  I am always looking for yet another to add to the weight of my handbag (if you know me you know my lip gloss/lipstick collection is excessive). 

Trip to London...

No, unfortunately I'm not going to London anytime soon, but I had to share a giveaway that Boden is doing for a trip for a family of 4 to London!  You have to enter by April 1 (Friday), but it's totally worth it right?  All you have to do is enter your info, and then take a quick quiz on Boden's hometown (ahem, London). 

Here's what you win:

• 6 nights at a 5 star hotel for four

• Return flights to London

• Visit the Boden shop with £500 each and a stylist on hand

• A family portrait, shot in the Boden studios

• Afternoon tea at The Ritz

• A free pass to many London attractions

• Free travel on London Transport

Click HERE to enter!

Now....if any of you win because you saw my post you MUST tell me, or bring me with.  K?

Preoccupied..........but always shopping

Last week I inadvertently took a blogging break.  I don't know what it was specifically, I just got BUSY!  I've got Griff's 3rd birthday coming up this next weekend, and that along with my rep job (along with that whole Mommy job) has kept me running around like a nut!  I have also been calling everyone a 'nut' lately.  I find it funny that sometimes people find a saying or a word and then they use it to death...........do you?  That's what I've been doing with the word 'nut.'  Everyone who is slightly crazy is deemed a 'nut.'  It's funny when you say it out loud and with some gusto - try it!  Maybe I'll spark a trend.......

ANYWAY, I wanted to share a couple of fabulous flat finds I came across while shopping with my girlfriend Heather a couple of weekends ago.  I love love love shopping with Heather because she completely trusts my fashion opinion and as long as she likes what I pick out for her, it goes!  It's very therapeutic because it's LIKE I'm spending money, but I'm not - someone else is!  :-)  So anyway Heather told me she needed some new shoes to take her from Winter to Summer - and I of course said that A) she needs some Hunter boots and B) she needs a few pairs of 'go-to' flats.

Here are our picks from the trip:

1.  Hunter Boots.  No brainer right?  I suggest a neutral color that goes with everything so you literally CAN throw them on, on a rainy day with either leggings or skinny jeans. What could be easier, dry, and most importantly, fashionable?

2.  Stuart Weitzman's Giveable Ballet Flats.  Why are these deemed fab to me?  They are SO COMFY I could sleep in them.  I'm not really kidding here.  They have an elastic band (the black part) around the edge so there is no chafing your poor wintry skin that hasn't breathed fresh air for a few months.  And trust me, when it's flat season, the band aids and Dr. Scholl's moleskin come out for a couple of weeks while I break in my skin again.  EEEyikes.  The things I do for style.  Secondly, they are classic, timeless and simple.  Match with everything.   I could go on, but you get my point.

3.  Ivanka Trump's Diaspi Flat.  Yes, Ivanka started her own shoe line!  I don't know a whole lot about her other than that she's super smart, rich, on Celebrity Apprentice, and now preggers, but I like her style.  These flats are so perfect for every single day - think about it - throw them on with just about anything and they'll work.  Plus, they are again, ridiculously comfortable.  I am such a big comfort person on flats that I actually sold all of my Tory Burch flats on Ebay because they just weren't cutting it in the comfort department.  Not worth it, even though I do love a good TB flat on anyone else.  :-)

Fashion Police - The Chicago Auto Show Files

A few weekends ago, my husband and I decided to take a day to ourselves.......no kids.  So we went downtown and got touristy and attended the Chicago Auto Show.  Let me tell you, it was a show alright, more like a TERRIBLE fashion show!  The BEST people watching ever, almost better than O'Hare. 

Furry Boots +  fanny pack. 

 Not usually what I put together in my head before getting dressed in the AM.

Kid on a Leash. 

There are MANY times I have felt like I needed a leash on G, but haven't gone there.

REAL fur jacket + matching fur hat + Timberland's. 

 Did this guy come straight out of P. Diddy's latest video?

Canadian Tuxedo. 

Keep in mind the high on this particular day was about 40 degrees.  This girl thought to herself, 'Jean Jacket or Jean Vest?  Hmmm...high is 40, definitely the vest.'

Snow bunny attire.

Oh these poor girls - they work for whatever automotive brand we were looking at..........is this to draw in the dudes?  Let's just hope they dislike their outfits as much as I did. 

 

And the lucky winner is.........

The luck o' the Irish goes to Erin.  Congrats Erin, you have won the $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com.  What a fun St. Patty's day treat.

Erin mentioned that she'd buy the Beyond Vintage Day Dress, great choice. 

And if it was me, I'd love to pair these L.A.M.B. shoes with it.......

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone, and thanks for entering my contest!

Table Wine

In the same week that I posted about being on a 'smoothie kick' I am also posting about a great table wine. Hmmm......it's about balance, right?

I am always on the search for a great table wine; something we keep around the house that isn't too expensive and I can open up and have a glass with dinner or after the kids go to bed. Also something that i can find at most grocery stores, right?

So.....I was pleasantly surprised over the weekend when on Sunday I was at Whole Foods doing some shopping and they had a wine rep there providing some tastings.....that's my kind of tasting! Forget the food, bring on the vino!

I spoke with the rep and said usually I like a Cabernet Sauvignon, something dry and not too fruity. So, she recommended 'Friends.Red.' It's a 2009 Sonoma County Red Wine, that is a blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Sangiovese. Let me tell you, it's fabulous! I had a taste in the store, and liked it enough to try it out for $11.99. And every night this week I have had a great treat after a long day balancing kids, work, exercise, cleaning, the list could go on as many of you can attest!

It's produced by Pedroncelli Winery in Sonoma, CA......look out Pedroncelli Winery, I might make a stop next time we go to Napa (soon, honey?).

I would love to know if any of you readers have any great red table wines that you LOVE - so much better to take someones word for it than to try a random bottle in the store un-taste tested.

Cheers!

Did you enter to win a Shopbop gift card??? Contest ends tomorrow!!!

SHOPBOP GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!  ENDS TOMORROW (3/16!)

Just reminding you that my giveaway for the $100 gift card to Shopbop.com is ending tomorrow at midnight!!!  So if you're interested in winning this (and really, who isn't?), click HERE to get to my original blog post about it and ENTER!

GOOD LUCK!!

Smoothie kick

I'm totally on a smoothie kick these days.

I have completely been inspired by my girlfriend Erin who has decided to eat a raw food diet for an entire year! Seriously, talk about dedication. Eating raw is SO good for you; the health benefits are numerous.

I have been doing smoothies for breakfast and lunch for a few weeks now, and trying to eat a healthy vegetable-heavy dinner as well. I've been learning a heck of a lot about how to do this via Erin's blog, Raw for a Reason. You must stop by if you are at all interested......she has some fantastic recipes on there that you would honestly be surprised by! I have surprised myself by really loving these, and so has my family.

Here is a yummy smoothie that is so good and good for you....I'll try to share more as I find more!

Kale-apple smoothie

Time: 5 min

Serves 1, so double if you are making for your kiddos too!

Ingredients:

3/4C chopped kale (thick stems removed)

1 small stalk celery (chopped)

1/2 banana

1/2 cup 100% apple juice

1/2 c ice

1 T fresh lemon juice

Blend until smooth and frothy!

And here is my husband's favorite, and my son's too....

Strawberry Flax Smoothie

Time: 5 min

Serves 1, so double if making for kids too!

Ingredients:

1 C frozen strawberries

3/4 C plain low-fat yogurt

1/2 C fresh orange juice

1 T honey

1 T flax seed meal

Blend until smooth and frothy!

Note:  this one does not qualify as 'raw' b/c of the milk......so maybe instead of milk do almond milk or coconut water??

Enjoy!

Guest posting today on Scout!

Head on over to one of my favorite blogs, Scout - A Mom's guide to stylish living.  Melanie is on vacation and asked me to step in as one of her guest bloggers this week.  If you don't already read Scout, you should - Melanie always has great fashion, make up, mommy......everything advice! 

Today's topic?  More Spring 2011 fashion - specifically my 'Lust List top 5.' 

Enjoy!

my polish of the moment.....Grammie inspired

Essie's Chubby Cheeks

Essie's Milky Way - a J Crew Exclusive

I happened upon these two beautiful super springy Essie colors the other day, and HAD to purchase them.  Where was I you ask?  I am embarrassed to say that again, it was at J. Crew.  But it was during the same shopping trip I have mentioned before.....so I swear it's not like I'm there every week.  Just about once every 2 weeks, to browse ONLY.  ;-)

These colors remind me of my VERY fashionable Grammie, who I am told, I am very much alike.  A glimpse of Gram - she wore Salvatore Ferragamo's as her signature shoe, loved an expensive designer handbag, and got her hair 'done' at a salon every couple of weeks.  She also had my skin tone, therefore wore a lot of peachy nail polishes and blushes (also very me).  I know my Grammie would be wearing these colors if she was with us today, and let me tell you folks, Grammie's style is/was something to aspire to!

My Grammie & Papa, circa 1939 or 1940.  On one of their first dates.

Grammie & I, a few years ago. 

Miss you Gram!

$$$ to spend on Shopbop, anyone? It's a GIVEAWAY!

Yes Yes Yes it's true! 

I have graciously been offered a $100 gift certificate at Shopbop to give to ONE lucky Mascara Meets Matchbox reader!!!! 

I'm thrilled to be able to do this, since

a) i love shopbop & I'm sure you all share my itch for spring clothing right about now!

b) I used to work there and KNOW how amazing all of the brands are that they sell.

c) I know how HAPPY this will make one lucky gal (or guy)!

Hmm......what would I put my $100 towards on Shopbop?  As usual, I have a multitude of things on my wish list.....

Vince Hooded Anorak

Lanston Boyfriend Romper

House of Harlow 1960 Hexagon Drop Earrings

Juicy Couture Lace Shift Dress

Eugenia Kim Max Panama Fedora

Interested in entering this giveaway?

Here's how:

1.  leave ONE comment on my blog telling me ONE thing you'd buy with your $100 gift certificate.

2.  make sure to leave an email address so if you WIN i can contact you!

3.  become (if you are not already) a public follower of Mascara Meets Matchbox (look on the top left hand side of the blog)

Extra Entries??

1. become a fan on my Facebook page (if you are not already) and leave ONE comment on what you'd buy with the $100 on Shopbop.

2.  BLOG about my giveaway and then leave a comment HERE letting me know, including the link to your blog post.

***Important***

-giveaway starts TODAY and runs through next Wednesday, March 16.  The winner will be chosen at random and I will notify them on St Patty's Day, March 17!

GOOD LUCK!

More Spring Must Haves......I'm all about J Crew

I literally could be on the J Crew website ALMOST as long as I could browse around on Shopbop. 

Here are some of my top picks right now....

Sperry Top Sider Boat Shoes in CORAL! I'm a sucker for this color........

If you know me, I LOVE a great hat.  This is the ultimate Classic Fedora - offered in tan, but I like the Beechwood.

A fabulous way to dress up your denim - the Spangled Stripe Sweater.  Definitely the Beechwood White colorway.

Always a mini-skirt girl, this one rocks!  The Lunette mini comes in navy too......which is my choice hands down.

Last but certainly not least, my stylish Mom picked out this striped henley tank for me for Valentines day....I loved it so much I got another!  All colors are cute but of course navy and olive tree are my <3's.  Thanks Mom!

Any of you have any favorites at the Crew right now??