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Sprucing up Your Spring Style

Before my life with children, the onset of spring meant looking forward to lovely self-indulgent rituals. Switching my closet from winter to spring, sprucing up the apartment and putting on the bright slipcovers and the light linen drapes in the living room, and the dazzling bedspread to liven up the elegant white bedroom…Getting my spring facial and a nice bronzing treatment to show off the bare legs in my sassy new sling backs and pencil skirt for work, deciding what asparagus-based appetizer should star in my next neighborhood Saturday-night get-together. Things are just a weeee bit different these days.

But in the spirit of turning over a new leaf (sorry, it was easy!), I’m going to try to reinstate some of my old renewals. Based on the principle of “If mommy ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” I’m going to make sure that refreshing our lives for the new season becomes a family ritual. And just think how happy it will make me when the little cherubs are finally old enough to air out their own comforters!

Chic Mommy Look: I did mention that we were keeping mommy happy right? Well, a stylish mommy is a happy mommy indeed (and since everyone knows that when you look great you feel great too, you are actually doing your family a service!) So slip into a chic pair of crops and a springy little top, toss a comfy sweater over your shoulders, slide into a sassy pair of wedges and finish with a fun little tote and you are good to go—to the store, to the PTA meeting, to the park, to wherever all the chic mommies are going! No more schlubby sweats darling—that's a stylish mommy no-no.

There is one tip I can share with you that will not only polish your image among the preschool drop-off set but also speed your morning prep: the dress. New-Look cinched or Empire waist loose, comfy soft knit, spring's safari chic. Layered or on its own as the weather warms—it’s an outfit in a hurry, curve-hugging optional! Throw on cute skimmers or wedges, grab your loaded tote, and you’re off.

Personal grooming: I’m lucky if I get a chance to shave my legs, let alone bronze them. Not to mention that the pencil skirt has disappeared from my closet completely, heels are only for date night, and entertaining neighbors has to occur between nap time and bedtime (and stars variations on hot dogs, not asparagus). But there are touches of spring that take but a moment to add to one’s life, and won’t be marred by sandboxes and jelly fingers. Start with a rosy-fresh blush to add some life to the winter cheeks, and top with a renewing mineral lip gloss to soften your skin. Switch from your earthy, exotic winter scent to something light and green and fresh—this one is my new favorite. Get your hair out of that ponytail you’ve been working all winter (to avoid the dry fly-aways) and deep condition it. Then let it air-dry for once, and see what your natural texture is all about—waves and beachy hair are in! Stop wrangling it into submission every morning. Think of the time you’ll save—and the PB&Js you can make instead.

I am making one well deserved concession to beauty this spring. Having spent too many of my young-and-silly days actually soaking up the sun's rays, on purpose, and without adequate sunscreen I might add (I know, I know—tres naughty!) Anyhoo, this year I am treating myself to a fabulous skin rejuvenation treatment. A glorious photo facial! Years of sun bathing and exposure to the natural elements can be removed after a short, no down time protocol. Laser Cosmetica is offering 40% off all package purchases if you spread the word. So let your friends in on the secret to your youthful, glowing skin!

Clothing for the Kiddies: Isn't it amazing how quickly our little ones grow? Which means the constant replacement of kiddie wardrobes. For the little princess, start with a darling ikat-print dress (love the ethnic print) and top with a sweet crocheted cardigan. She can wear a tee under the dress while it’s still nippy, then it will work beautifully on its own when the days warm up. For boys, I’m still holding the preppy/surfer line: madras plaid trousers, durable denim and an oxford shirt, polos layered with tees. If you can get him to wear a little blazer, you have my admiration; just tell him he’s dressing like daddy. And don’t forget the wee little raincoats and boots! Why didn’t we have decorated Wellies when we were little? Tip to the wise mommy: don't skimp on your child's footwear! Those tender little feet are still developing and they need proper support. Invest wisely in top quality footwear and those little tootsies will thank you. Personally, I adore Ecco footwear for it's great quality, cutting edge design and adorable styles. So many to choose from for your little prince or princess.

Along with keeping your little angels adorably attired, it is important to keep their delicate skin nourished and protected with pure, safe and beneficial products. All aspects are covered with Arbonne Baby Care products. I received some samples from a friend and think they are fabulous! Browse the website, and for more personal assistance drop a note to Jessa (one of our fab She She girls!),  to learn how to purchase at a 35% discount!

Home: It’s hard to think about brightening your décor when you’d really rather just have someone clean the windows for you, but it’s so worth the extra effort, especially on those grey rainy days when you’re just dying for a little sunshine. Add it yourself with easy-peasy accessories and new colors: pillows, duvets and coverlets, bright towels—how about a splashy slipcover for that armchair? Trade your heavy velvet drapes for something sheer and linen-y. Get inspired to cook with fresh spring ingredients and put the crock-pot away until stew season returns. The #1 easiest way to let the spring fever into your home? Fresh flowers. Get the little mister back to his old courting rhythms, or send yourself a fat bouquet. Better yet, send some to your yummy-mummy BFF and have her return the favor! Peonies and tulips are divine.

Now that you’ve perked up your surroundings, it’s time to work on that attitude. Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with the minutiae of life with little (or big) kids, the schlepping, napping, crazy food requirements, etc. Make it a priority to spend at least ten minutes each day with each child, reliving the joys of hanging upside down on a tree branch, spinning on the swing until you get dizzy, or watching the spring clouds zip overhead and looking for animal shapes. Your kids will adore you for being silly, and you won’t even remember why you were in a mood by the time you’re finished. Oooh, I see a zebra!

xoxo,

Pretty Mama

Fantastic Specials and Savings for She She Girls in the She She Mall!

Check out the wonderful stores, new products
and great promotions currently in the She She Mall.

Simply Soles, a designer shoe catalog and online boutique offering free returns on all orders of their carefully edited collection from Tory Burch, Frye, Delman and more. SimplySoles also offers exclusive styles found only at SimplySoles from Bettye Muller, Missoni, and our own line, lillybee. Shop now for great savings on the fall/winter collection. Or shop for spring 2008's sassiest sandals now in stock.
Avenue You. We at Avenue You know and understand that it is always "All About You." Knowing this we have put together the finest and most exclusive hair, nails, skin, and makeup lines, and brought them together under one website for you to fully learn about and experience.
Twisted Silver. Fun, Fabulous, Funky jewelry! Twisted Silver —ultra-modern jewelry with an unexpected Twist. Vintage inspiration and retro-contemporary elements send fashion forward in an abundance of chain, copper, gold, brass, silver, steel, and aluminum, and dual-use pieces called "convertibles."Each piece designed, not to compliment, but to create a look.
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Calvin Klein Underwear is synonymous with quality. The fits and fabrications are developed to perfection to preserve the brand’s standard of excellence. Men’s fabrics range from comfortable cottons to edgy sheer synthetics, while women’s product includes foundations with clean and comfortable silhouettes, daywear with sexy lace elements and satin touches, as well as fashion trend-forward prints and styles.
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At B.Dazzled!, we believe the perfect gift is something that is totally unexpected, yet positively practical and always appreciated. Our funky, hip boutique is packed with plenty of ideal choices for any gift-giving occasion. Many come present-ready in beautiful gift packaging. Custom services and orders are also available. Contact us for all your gift-giving needs.
Stylish Bridal Our 2008 wedding gowns have arrived! Be sure to check out the new bridal gowns and accessories at Stylish Bridal.

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