2015 | The Glam Mom

Last Minute Gift Idea - Melted Kisses and Sweet Cheeks Gift Set

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Hi there!

I just wanted to share a little gift idea before the holidays.
I love this Too Faced Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks gift set!  (Link) It's $36 at Ulta or Sephora, and comes with 3 blushes and melted lipsticks. I love the texture of the lipsticks! They are smooth and shiny, but not sticky like a gloss. You get a mauve, a sweet pink and a nude.

And each color combo comes in its own box!  So you can gift each color to separate people if you want to! One of these duos would be a GREAT stocking stuffer! Or, just keep them all to yourself, like me! LOL!

Here are some swatches of the blushes and lipsticks:
Deluxe Melted Peony & Justify My Love Blush
 Deluxe Melted Fig & Your Love is King
Deluxe Melted Nude & Love Hangover Blush
I have to say,Melted Fig is basically my new favorite color. I want to wear it every day! 
So, if you have a makeup lover in your life (or any girl really, because every woman needs good lipstick options!), run out and pick this up for her for the holidays! There's still time!  

Until next time,

xoxo


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Vacation Must Have - MEDS! MEDS! MEDS!

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Hi there,

I've been slacking on blogging, but I want to make sure I get my Vacation Must-Haves done.  

This one relates to my first Must-Have, which was Access to a Doctor (Link).  Now, looking at this photo, you might think "This girl is ridic."  And you're right.  Last year, I would have thought this was so dumb and unnecessary.  But after the last 2 vacations we've had, I will probably never leave for a vacation without most of the things here.  


Why?  Well, because kids get sick.  And, for some reason, our kids get sick when we go on vacation! And these items bring me peace of mind when away from home.  

On our first trip to Disney, our oldest, who was 2.5 at the time, ended up with an ear infection.  We had to have the Medical Concierge service come to our room to figure out what was wrong with him. He needed ibuprofen and antibiotics.  Husband had to figure out where a Walgreens was (15 minutes away) and drive in a strange place to go get it.  If we had it with us, could have saved a trip and some hassle.  He ended up not taking the antibiotics anyway - he kept spitting it out. Ibuprofen was all he'd take.

This past summer, we took a road trip to New York City.  Our daughter developed a cough on the way.  Started vomiting in the car more than half way through the drive.  By the time we got to NY, she needed to go to the ER.  She had a history of bad coughs that lead to vomiting, but only needed a breathing treatment one time.  She was prescribed an inhaler, but we never used it or thought to bring it.  Well, she needed the inhaler on this trip and it cost us $1400 in Emergency Room charges for her to receive a treatment we could have given her for free had we thought to bring her inhaler.  

This past trip to Disney World, our baby started coughing the day before we were scheduled to leave. His cough is what prompted me to back all of these things.  I just didn't want to end up in the ER for something so basic. So, I know coughs usually come with runny noses, hence the Vapo Rub, Nose Frida and saline spray. I brought the Motrin tabs and Baby Advil just in case. And thank goodness because baby's cough, lead to runny nose and FEVER.  How did I know he had a 101.7 fever by the time we got to the hotel? Because I brought that dang thermometer.  It would have just been such a pain in the ass to have to call valet to get the car to drive to Walgreens 15 minutes away to spend $60 on a thermometer that we already have at home.  

I brought the cough soothing pops just in case the cough spread, but thankfully it didn't! Band-Aids - well I knew there was going to be a lot of running around and kids just love freaking Band-Aids.  

So really, this might seem like overkill, but we used so many of these items on just our first day of vacation, so I'm so glad I thought ahead and brought them all.  And I will do it for every vacation we go on from now on just to save ourselves some stress and annoyance.

Is there anything you MUST bring with you when you go on vacation?  Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

xoxo

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Vacation Must Have - The Englacha 2-in-1 Junior X-Rider (R.I.P)

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Hi there!


I'm slacking on my vacation must haves.  But my babe is sleeping so I'm gonna try to knock this one to really, really fast! (Edit - He woke up very soon after I typed that and it's midnight now LOL!)

My kids are all still small, and I like to go out a lot. I'm not comfortable with #1 walking everywhere on his own even though he's 4 years old. He doesn't always listen, he wanders off and he's FAST! So, I prefer that all of my kids have a seat to sit in when we need to walk into and around places. BUT, I'm not investing in a triple stroller. Navigating the world with a double-wide is hard enough! So, in comes the Englacha X-Rider.


Affiliate Link - 




I came across this seat on Amazon while I was searching for the City Mini skateboard to use for our 3rd vacation to Disney World. I just HAD to have it! This attachable seat is compatible with most stroller brands.  Here are a few details:


This photo is from March, a few months after I got it.  This is the City Mini stroller.

  • Unique connector fits most prams and strollers including umbrella style and concealed brake style prams
  • Quick on and off connector makes it easy in use and adjustable in height and width
  • Storage strap convenient for keeping the rider in place when not in use
  • Cushioned wheels for extra comfort
  • Adjustable saddle seat for maximum comfort

My kids love this seat! There have been fights over who gets to sit in the "Big Boy/Girl Seat."  But, sadly, our seat met it's demise on our last trip to Florida. It was already on it's last legs after being checked on several flights and thrown in and out of my trunk (not at all carefully) and a stroller thrown on top of it daily. After the connector being bent badly (probably from that stroller thrown on it), and one of the trigger handles missing, the final blow came from a really rude man on the Disney World Monorail who forced his stroller in behind ours and it snapped a trigger. We just couldn't use it anymore.  We abandoned it (with permission) at the Orlando airport.  But I will be buying a new one soon!!!  I can't do without it!



 This seat was in bad shape.  The bolt that holds the 
seat on was missing.  The kids didn't mind because 
they could spin around and sometimes rode backwards.  
The snapped trigger.

There are a few downsides to this product.  It took me a bit to figure out the proper way to connect it - and it's not easy because it all has to be bolted together.  If you don't do it right, you have to grab your trusty wrench and undo it all.  And since every stroller is a different height, if you want to use it on multiple strollers you might have to disassemble it every time.  I used it on a City Mini and a City Select and had to change the height.   


Also, it will impede your stride.  On a double wide, it's not as difficult to use because you can  easily walk to one side.  On a single or tandem, it will get in your way.  But for me, the benefits outweigh the annoyance.


I absolutely recommend this product!  I can't do without it!  The only reason I haven't rushed to buy a new one is that I also have a Twoo.  But this seat is only compatible with a Bugaboo Donkey, which is my daily stroller.



This is my Bugaboo Donkey with the 
Skateboard and Twoo seat attached.  

I love this seat also!  But, the X-Rider is a far more practical option because it's compatible with lots of stroller types.  Had I known about it before, I would never have bought the Bugaboo Skateboard and the Twoo seat.  The Twoo seat has no back, handlebar or seatbelt.  It's not nearly as safe or comfortable for the kids at the X-Rider.  

Check out the X-Rider using the link above.  You really need to invest in this!


Until next time,


xoxo






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#AmexBlackhawks

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Hi there!

On the evening of November 2nd, we went to a GREAT event at the United Center especially for Chicago Blackhawks Season Ticket holders who are also American Express cardholders.  My husband was invited and took me as his +1.  It was AWESOME!  There was delicious food, an open bar, and photo opportunities with former players, the championship banner and the current Coach (Coach Q), all held on the floor of the stadium. So glad we got to go! And big thanks to my parents for coming over on a weeknight to watch our kids for us!!!  We didn't know we could bring children to this.  But there were a lot of kids there, so we'll know better for next year.  They would LOVE it!  



So fun to be on the floor of the UC!
Love my hubby!
Even though there were 4 bar counters 
set up, the lines were pretty long.
Good stuff?  I don't know, I don't drink.
These cookies were delish!  We took 3 
home for the kids as a special treat :)
I hate that this photo is blurry but I was rushing to get the shot. 
Hubby LOVE the Hawks.  Always has.  Trust me - 
he's no bandwagoner.  He loves his Chicago 
sports and is very knowledgeable of sports history. 


He was really happy.
 Husband decided he'd rather stand in line
for a photo with the championship banner
than wait to see the Hawks locker room.  
I didn't care - I just wanted whatever line
was shorter because my feet were KILLING me!
Love this dress from Elloqui!  Can you tell it's 
my new favorite online shop??? :)   
Link to this dress HERE! 
And the shoes HERE!
We're cute. 

We had a great night out!  Love when we have a chance to have grown up time.  It's much needed, but rare these days.

Until next time,

xoxo




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ShopSpring.com Grown Up Wish List

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Hi there,

Recently I was introduced to ShopSpring.com, a website that features more than 800 brands and offers free shipping.  I curated my own Grown Up Christmas List from the site, and it's been FUN!

I don't really NEED anything - I'm the luckiest girl in the world and I have everything I need and want, and then some.  But, it's always fun to shop around, right!?  There are so many things on the Shop Spring app I never knew I wanted!!!  So, here are just a few:






Christian Louboutin Victoria Kid Platform Pumps
I'm so cheap when it comes to shoes, so investing in Louboutin's is just not something I'm ready to do.  But, I love a simple black platform! They are sexy but still comfy.  I would love to have these in my collection.
I'm really into lip color these days.  It can make any basic makeup look just pop!  And matte finishes are really popular right now.  I've been using a lot of matte finish liquid lipsticks these days.  I'd love to splurge on one of this brand's colors.  Look at this packaging!  It's just divine! But...$90 is really out of my price range.
Basically, I'll wear anything with studs.  I LOVE this mini!  It's waaaay too expensive, but this is a WISH list, not a REALITY list :) LOL!
I love a nice handbag.  Zac Posen is a brand I've never given much thought, but when I saw this bag on the app, I fell in love! And the price is fairly reasonable.
Because...I just can't.
I love a menswear shoe for women.  These are FIRE! I would sleep in these.  There's only one pair left.  In a size 7.  I wear an 11.  I'm sad. :(
I love these keytags.  They offer so many that are super funny, like "Donut Care," "Yaaaaaaas," "Trophy Wife," "Bitch," and so on.  I want them all!
So, that's it! I wouldnt be sad if someone bought me these things for Christmas. (Can someone make sure my husband sees this, please? Thanks :) LOL! (Just Kidding. Kind of.)

Until next time,

xoxo






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Happy Thanksgiving from my new SHOPSTYLEit account and my yummy turkey!

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Hi there!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!  I know we did!  We decided to do more of a potluck at our house this year.  Everyone made a thing or 2 and brought it over.  It made for a more relaxed holiday.  I tend to get really, really stressed about hosting events at our house - a lot of yelling occurs.  I just didn't want to be like that this time, so asking everyone to bring something made it a lot less stressful for me (and my husband because I wasn't constantly yelling at him on the verge of tears!).

My mom brought over her delish mac and cheese, a roast, a ham and some Jamaican Rice and Peas (one of my favorite things in the WORLD!) Husband's Aunt Bea brought over her yummy green bean casserole, a salad and 2 communist pies (this is an inside joke - if you weren't there, you just wouldn't understand lol!).  My sister in law brought over mashed potatoes, some AWESOME gluten and dairy free corn bread (sweet and delish - no one would EVER know!) and some cookies.  My father in law broughtt wine and his friend brought chocolate and we all ate until we couldn't eat anymore.

We all know I'm not domestic - I don't cook anything that's complicated.  So, I of course bought a pre-cooked turkey and all I had to do was warm it up.  But, I did doctor it up a bit, and let me tell you, it was SO. DAMN. GOOD.  Super simple (because that's all I can do!) - I chopped up 2 medium onions, 3 cloves of garlic and 2 celery stalks.  I stuffed half the mixture inside and the other half, I rubbed on top.  I poured half a box of chicken stock inside the turkey and the other half over the top.  I rubbed olive oil on the skin and sprinkled salt, pepper and rosemary on top and let it sit covered with foil in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.  It came out of the oven a super moist herby, garlicy flavor and I will definitely be doing the same thing again next year.  It was a hit!


But anyway, I wanted to tell you that I'm trying something new.  I joined the ShopStyle Collective! If you're not sure what ShopStyle is, you can read about it HERE.  Basically, it's a website that links major retailers into one site, so when you search for an item you're looking for, it will bring you results from all over the web.  That way you can do all of your shopping in one place instead of hitting up different sites.  And it's an awesome tool for bloggers like me who love to share all things beauty and fashion.

Since I've been doing so many outfit posts lately (which was never my intention, but it's been a natural progression of this blog), I thought I'd start using this site to share my fashions.  This way, I can give you direct links to everything I'm wearing, and if you want to buy something I post or something similar, you can find it much easier.  So, I'm going to start with my Thanksgiving outfit!

My dress is a simple denim dress that I picked up at Gap on the clearance rack a few weeks ago.  I paid only $16 for this dress and I love it!  It's not available on their site anymore, but I linked to one they offer now that is similar. 
And my shoes.  OMG.  They are freaking AMAZING and on sale RIGHT NOW at Lord and Taylor.  You NEED these Sam Edelman shoes in your life.  They are sexy and fun and I'm obsessed with them. 
  
So, here are the links to these items for you to shop more easily!  


Also, if you are on Instagram, you can get these links sent straight to your email!  Do this - 
1 - Sign up at SHOPSTYLE.it
2 - Click "LIKE" on any photo with #shopstyleit in the description
3 - Check your email and shop away!

That's it!  Hope you'll start using the service!  I love this site! It makes things so easy - especially shopping on Instagram.  There are so many bloggers with amazing style using this service.  You'll never have to wonder again where they got their clothes!

Until next time,

xoxo

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Guest Blog - Easy DIY Natural Home Deodorisers By Edna Thomson

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Hi there!

This blog was written by Edna Thomson. Edna is a professional writer, DIY expert and neat freak. She loves to make her own cleaning products. She runs a cleaning company in the UK called End of Tenancy Cleaners Croydon.

I love that Edna sent me an email about posting for my blog.  These ideas she suggests for natural home deodorizers is great and I just might try some myself!  Hope you find these recommendations useful.  Let me know if you decide to try any of them!

Easy DIY Natural Home Deodorisers

Photo Credit - http://findingjoyinflorida.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/orange-pomander.jpg

"Walking into a fragrant and fresh-smelling home after a hectic day at work can help you wind down, recharge and de-stress. Unfortunately, most brands of home deodorisers (plug-ins and scented candles included), sold on the market are chemical-laden, hence harmful to your health. Air fresheners seem to have taken over your entire household and office – they're in your office building's lobby, in your bathroom, living room, bedroom, car... Here's a news flash for you – these don't actually improve the quality of air in rooms they are placed in but can lead to accelerated heart rate, chronic headaches, induce asthma symptoms - just to name a few ailments they might cause. When it comes to healthy lifestyle, it's advisable to go for the natural and safe. Here are a few easy DIY natural fixes for a fresher, yet chemical-free home.

Orange and Clove
These two seem to have been made for one another. Contrary to popular belief, cloves are not used in cuisine exclusively, in fact they've been adopted as deodorises for decades, even centuries. Orange and cloves can make an excellent fragrance pomander – Victorians even used those as gifts to indicate their warm feelings towards the receiver. For one pomander you'll need an orange and about twenty to thirty cloves (depending on the citrus' size). Then just insert the sharp ends of the cloves into the orange's peel. Place it next to a warm object, a lamp for example and you're good to go. The fragrance is simply intoxicating, figuratively speaking of coarse!

Eucalyptus Deodoriser
These tropical evergreens make the perfect deodoriser, thanks to their minty, piny and somehow sweet scent. Not to mention they will help you breath more easily. What makes them so great you wonder? Eucalyptus oils are anti-bacterial and help ward off fungi and mould which on the other hand makes them perfect for freshening musty and humid places like closets. A few branches of eucalyptus are all that's required for a fresher, mould-free closet. Just place them in your wardrobe but make sure you remember to replace them with fresh ones in about a week. The oil of this evergreen also makes a wonderful furniture polisher – add two to three tbsp of essential oil in a spray bottle, fill it water, shake it and you're done.

Cotton and Vanilla
Who doesn't love the yummy scent of vanilla? I know right, it kind of makes me hungry as it reminds me of my grandma's home-made cookies. This idea is perfect for smelly refrigerators especially. What's required for this freshener's preparation? Not much actually – a few cotton balls and a small bottle of vanilla extract, you know the kind they use in bakeries and pastry shops. Dip the balls of cotton into the liquid extract and place in on several shelves in your fridge. I guarantee you'd no longer have to hold your nose when you open the fridge's door.

Lemon Peels
Lemons smell exceptionally fresh and come in handy in neutralising all types of bad smells. For instance, those coming from your fireplace. Place some lemon peels on top of the burning wood and you no longer will have to breathe in all that unpleasant smoke. Also lemons are good in eliminating nasty cat-urine odours from your puss' litter box. Cut several lemons in halves and place them all around the bathroom (supposing that's where the litter box is).

Dust and Air Regularly
This is probably the best and most natural way to eradicate all smothering odours from your home. Remember you should dust your furniture, mattresses and upholstery on regular basis. No amount of deodoriser, natural or not, will be able to reverse the damage dander, dust and allergens will do to your lungs. Each room in your house (but especially the bedroom) should be aired at least once a day, even in winter time. In summer leave the windows wide open throughout the day – supposing you don't live near a thoroughfare.

Now, the only thing that's left for you to do is go and collect all those chemical-stuffed deodorisers of yours and throw them in the garbage bin. Mother Nature knows what she's doing, there are natural substitutes to all cleaning products and deodorisers on the market are saying from SuperCleaners Croydon. Why not do yourself a favour and give them a try?"

Until next time,

xoxo



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