Evereve at the Planetarium

 

  Hi there!

Today I spent the day with my 7 year old niece and my 3 year old son having some good fun!  

It's Columbus Day, so they were off school. My other 2 kids don't get the day off - they go to private school and they get a lot of other random days off.

We went out for a quick breakfast then headed downtown to the Adler Planetarium. The kids played in the play area, we saw a movie that was a simulation of a rocket into outer space - the kids loved that one. We made stomp rockets. It was a good time.

I actually didn't even tell my oldest that my niece was coming to spend the day with me because he would have been really upset that he couldn't spend the day with her. But I did bring her to pick him up from school and he was super surprised and happy to see her when he walked outside. I took my #2 to her piano lesson while the other kids sat with my dad for 30 minutes and we had dinner at Red Robin before I drove her home. I got a text that she said she had a great day and that makes me happy!

I wore this cute blush pink tee from Zara. I've only recently begun venturing into Zara, and I've discovered that there are things in there that will fit me. This tee is a size large! I bought 2.

My jacket and jeans are from Evereve.  BTW - have you entered the $500 giveaway that I told you about?!?!?! It ends soon so ENTER NOW!!! It's super easy!

Until next time,

xoxo

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You Need To Try SYLTBAR!

Hi there!

So, really. I never thought in a million years I'd ever write a post about alcohol. I honestly JUST started drinking!!! 

I never used to drink. Ever. I hated the taste of alcohol and I hated being around anyone who was consuming it.

But.

Now I have 3 kids and I've loosened up a bit, and have realized that a little drink every now and again is a good way to relax and be a little silly.

So I was excited to be invited to the blind taste testing hosted by SYLTBAR (pronounced Zut-Bar - it's German) at Carmine's Restaurant downtown. My Sister-In-Law, Teka, came with me because she really knows a lot about alcohol and I know nothing!

I'd never done a blind taste test before.

They had two bottles wrapped in black napkins and poured us a small glass of each. We were to taste each glass and write down our thoughts on flavor and overall liking of each glass. Then we had to choose which one we liked best.

Of the group below, only 1 person chose Option B. All of the rest, including me, chose Option A.

Option A was SYLTBAR. Option B was Veuve Cliquot.

And I was kind of shocked! Because Veuve is a brand that everyone knows - even me and I hardly drink!

The SYLTBAR Reps, Regina and Kathrin, then gave us a PowerPoint presentation about SYLTBAR and what makes it different from other brands of Prosecco.

The way SYLTBAR is bottled is different. Instead of being fermented in bottles like Veuve, it is processed in steel barrels for 4 months, which makes it a lot more bubbly. The bubbles were one of the reasons I chose Option A over Option B.

SYLTBAR has the lowest amount of sugar and the least amount of calories when compared to other popular brands. The sugar content in SYLTBAR low enough for some diabetics to drink, which is kind of crazy.

I enjoyed several glasses of SYLTBAR while we were at Carmine's, and I didn't feel tipsy at all! And I'm a LIGHTWEIGHT!!! Give me a few sips of vodka and I can't turn my head without feeling dizzy. But this was an enjoyable, cold, bubbly, tasty drink and I really enjoyed it!

The event was really nice. Carmine's is such a great location and they served us some delicious bites to enjoy with our Prosecco. These meatballs were DIVINE!

Everyone went home with a bottle of SYLTBAR and me and a few of my friends drank mine a few days later. Everyone really liked it!!!

Probably the biggest bonus of SYLTBAR is the price - $20/bottle!!! Can't really beat that!

I definitely recommend this prosecco if you're looking for something new to try! You can try it out at THESE restaurants around the country and you can even buy it ONLINE.

Check it out! You will like it, I promise!

Until next time,

xoxo

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#DressLikeA*Plus-Sized*Mom with Evereve!

Hi there!!!

Make sure you read all the way through to find out how you can win $500 from Evereve!!!

I've been meaning to post about Evereve for over a year now actually!

My first experience at Evereve was in May 2016 when I went to a shopping event hosted by another Chicago mom blogger. In all honestly, I overall completely avoid shopping in small boutiques because there is almost never anything that fits me. But last year, I was surprised - I actually found a dress and a vest that fit OK. Not great, but good enough that I bought them anyway. I meant to share them, but ya know, blogging is hard and I just never got around to it.

This time I planned my trip to the store so my husband and my kids could come along. I'd been told that Evereve has a very kid friendly environment, so I wanted to check out the whole experience - but I asked my husband to come with me JUST IN CASE!

I told my husband when we were on our way there that nothing was going to fit me and I was probably going to leave with a few necklaces and maybe a scarf.

Boy was I wrong.

I told the girls that since I'm bigger, I wasn't sure they had anything in my size there and asked if they could help me pull some stuff. I told them I wear a size 16 on the bottom and I could probably get away with XL tops.

These fitting rooms are HUGE!

I never believed they'd find me ALL OF THIS STUFF!!!

And even better? Of ALLLLLLL of these items, only 1 pair of jeans didn't fit. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?!

I wear a size 16. In most regular boutiques (not department stores and not plus size shops), there would not be options for me. But in this store, not only were there a TON of options, they were FASHIONABLE.

I swear I almost cried.

Here are just a few outfits I tried on:

I bought so much stuff. How could I NOT?!?! And a real surprise??? All of these jeans that I'm wearing are either a size 12 or a 14. NOT a 16! I know sizes don't really matter and every brand is different, but I would be lying if I said it didn't make me happy to walk out of a store buying a size 14.

Besides the fact that there were so many options for me at Evereve, the shopping experience was PHENOMENAL!!!

Evereve prides itself on its customer service, styling experience and family-friendly environment. Each store offers a children’s play area near the dressing room with toys and snacks to entertain kids while mom tries on outfits.

I took full advantage of this experience. While I shopped, my kids played with blocks, drank water that the sales associates gave them and even played dress-up.

The sweet store manager, Krista (who has 2 kids of her own), even took my kids outside to draw with chalk on the sidewalk while my husband was on the phone! Can you even believe that??? It was so awesome! I shopped in absolute peace. It was awesome!

This store is really kid friendly. All Evereves are set up with wide aisles so moms are able to navigate the stores with strollers easily. 

I'm sure you've already heard Evereve's tagline - 

DRESS LIKE A MOM

And listen, I know some people find it problematic. But really - Moms! We CAN be fashionable even while playing with our kids!!! If you love your yoga pants, great - Evereve has you covered! But if you want to elevate your playground uniform, you need to try here! Evereve sources items that are made specifically with moms in mind. For example, they sell higher-rise denim that doesn’t have to constantly be pulled up and longer tops to cover your behind when you wear leggings 

The super-sweet and helpful ladies pulled items that really worked for me and I had trouble choosing what to buy from all the options!

I even left wearing a whole new outfit!!! See the dress I'm while I was shopping above??? Well, I had an event to go to after I finished shopping, so I just wore one of my new outfits right out of the store!

I seriously had the BEST experience in this store!!! All of the size options were such a great surprise and the fact that my kids were able to be in the store with me and not driving me insane was a really unexpected bonus. They had a GREAT time!

NOW!!! CLICK HERE to enter to win a $500 shopping spree at your nearest Evereve! All you have to do is load a photo that shows how you #DressLikeAMom! Good Luck!!!

And, Evereve - I'll be back!

Until next time,

xoxo

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Exuvience Age Reverse Hand Rejuvenator Review

I received this product for free but all opinions are my own.

Hi there!

I'm 37 now and, maybe it's in my head, but I'm feeling like I'm starting to look freaking OLD!!! So I've been taking my skin care more seriously lately and using a ton of anti aging products. I even use a micro needler a few nights a week. I'll do whatever it takes to age well. I'm not down with wrinkles at all. Grey hair, I'm good with. Wrinkles are a no.

But you can't just treat wrinkles on your face!!! Your neck is super important to keep smooth and YOUR HANDS will give you away SO FAST!!!!  

I've actually tested and shared another Exuviance anti-aging product before. You can read that post HERE! As I said in that post, I learned that the founders of this skincare line, Dr. Van Scott Dr. Yu, are also the inventors of the Glycolic Peel (a chemical peel where the acid breaks down the top few layers of skin to reveal fresh, radiant skin beneath.) They offer a large array of products ranging from day to night, peels and masks, even makeup.  

I received this Exuviance Age Reverse Hand Rejuvenator to test for free. It's supposed to help helps diminish all the signs of aging on hands – crepiness, loose skin, and dark spots. 10% Citric Acid Peel formulation exfoliates rough texture and smooths skin and a NeoGlucosamine® + CitraFill® Cream minimizes the appearance of dark spots, smooths crepiness, and firms skin for younger looking hands.

I'll be totally honest - I don't have any of those problems on my hands. But I'm down for prevention so I tested it out just to see how it feels!

It's easy to use - 

Before bed, apply Hand Rejuvenator Peel to back of clean hands with a cotton pad or ball, applying 2-3 layers. Allow the peel to absorb fully for about 1 minute, then follow with a generous application of Hand Rejuvenator Cream. Cotton gloves can be worn over the cream, if desired. In the morning, apply the Hand Rejuvenator Cream to the back of hands and allow at least one hour before washing hands. 

The brand recommends that you use the  
Hand Rejuvenator Peel daily in the evening and the Hand Rejuvenator Cream twice a day (once in the morning and and at night).

The Peel doesn't tingle or anything and it has no scent. The Cream is...interesting. It does feel very moisturizing, but it's a bit oily. I don't mind the oil, but it actually left my hands feeling a big odd. It leaves a film behind and my fingers felt almost sticky. But if it will help with aging, I'm willing to suck that up. It's only twice a day.

This product is not cheap. It does cost $65. But you don't need much to complete the process, so it should last for a while. Plus - I'm willing to pay to not look freaking old!!!

I will continue to use this and let you know if it has the effects it says it's supposed to. I'm so bad at sticking to beauty routines though! Keep on me about this if you're really interested in how it works.

Until next time!

xoxo

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#XOQ - I Love a Shopping Party!

Hi there!

Last week my friends and I attended the Grand Opening party at the new Eloquii store that just opened in Chicago!

I'm sure you've seen my #XOQ posts on Instagram in the past. Eloquii is such a fabulous brand! So many super stylish pieces in sizes 14 and up so us curvy girls can feel modern and put-together in our clothes.  Let be honest - there aren't a a ton of brands that make that easy.

I always shop Eloquii online, and I've never had a problem. I've never returned anything! And they are always having great sales that I'm sure to take advantage of!

If I have somewhere fancy to go, Eloquii in the first place I check. And I have at least 10 gorgeous pieces in my closet that I'm just waiting for the perfect occasion to wear.

The Grand Opening was such a fun event!

#1 - The store is GORGEOUS!!! It's in a perfect location - The Shops at Northbridge on Michigan Ave (The Nordstrom mall).

#2 - The selection is HUGE! The store is actually really big and I loved seeing so many things I already had, or have sitting in my shopping cart online right on a rack for me to grab. It's actually a little dangerous LOL!

#3 - The Staff is super helpful! While you're shopping they will take your pieces from you and hold them at the fitting room until you're ready. It was a really busy event, but I felt like they really streamlined the fitting room process.

#4 - This party was so nice!!! There were treats and champagne and lots of people I follow on Instagram were there. It was so nice to meet those ladies in person!

But, would you believe I didn't take ANY photos?!?!? I was too busy shopping and having fun to take a single photo of the store. So, you'll just have to go in and see it for yourself LOL! You will love it, I swear! There are comfy couches and pretty things all over!

These are the only photos I took. Follow all of these ladies! Links to their IGs are below!

 @vanewpc @tekatrifkovich

 @windycitywardrobe @deependreview

@totallytot3

I'm so excited for this store, really. It's so hard to find clothes I love that also fit me. Selection is seriously limited when you're over a size 12. Finding Eloquii last year was pretty life-changing. Seriously. Having it close to home now is awesome.

My first in-store haul, is pretty small. But, I'll be paying another visit ASAP!

Ruffle Hem Crossover Sweater

Embellished Cat Eye Sunglasses

Long Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse

If you are a curvy girl, you need to head on over to The Shops and Northbridge to check out this beautiful new store. I have zero doubt you will find something you love!

Until next time,

xoxo

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First Week of School Done!

Hi there!

We did it.  We survived the first week of school!! (Bummed. I don't feel comfortable sharing the photos I have from the first day because they have other people's kids in them or give the name of their schools. Sorry!!!)

It's Saturday night, 9:41PM and I'm already in bed. This summer wore me out and waking up at 6am every day, including today, is going to take some getting used to!!!

So far, everyone is doing well. #1 is happy to be back with his friends. #2, well...she's going to take some time to adjust. But we haven't had any bad reports on her yet. Well, on Friday she did refuse to participate in PE and laid down on the floor. We'll work on that. 

#3 is back at his Montessori program after a month off. He fussed a little on the first day, I think just because he heard other kids crying and it upset him. But Friday, he was just fine at drop-off.

I'm going to try to blog more regularly this school year. I've kind of fallen into the habit of only blogging when it's sponsored, but that's not what I started this for. My tag line does say "The Diary of a Haute Mom." But it's not a diary if I'm only writing sponsored posts. It's just an advertisement page. And that's not what I want!

So even though my calendar is already jam-packed for this year, I'm going to make an effort to get on here more and share more personal things, more parenting ideas, and of course more makeup and fashion.

So let's start with this outfit from BooHoo. Because I'm OBSESSED with BooHoo these last few weeks and they keep having 50% Off Sales and I CAN'T RESIST THEM!!!

As I type this, everything is 50% off! SO GO SHOPPING NOW!!!!

Plus Abbi Ripped Knee Stretch Skinny Jean

Plus Dawn Frill Detail Sweat Top

adidas Originals Superstar - Women's   

Until next time!

xoxo,

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