We will be right back...

December 24, 2013

2013 flew by or what? I'm sure we all have positive and negatives things that happened to us during this past year but its all about what we take from each experience that will make us better and stronger.  Making this blog come true is definitely an accomplishment that I am proud of.  Although we have only been up for a few months, I can say that I have learned a few things of myself.  Some are things that I definitely would like to work on and improve, while others are positive things that I didn't know I had in me.

We only wish that with this blog we don't only give you something to read every morning but more like an inspirational start to your day.  This blog is a small window into our personal lives that we wish to share with you.  We hope to share with you more upcoming projects and ideas that we may have.  Some may work and others will fail but that's okay because we aren't afraid to at least give it a try.

With that being said, while many of you will be taking time off, we here at Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica will do the same.  We will take a short break to recharge our batteries and come back to you all Monday, January 6th of 2014.

We will still continue updating our Instagram account @stylishmeetsorganized so make sure you follow us.

From our homes and hearts to yours, THANK YOU again for your support.  We will be back soon!

Organized Chica, xox


My love for Pomegranates

December 23, 2013

I have really come to love this very versatile fruit!
And I love that its a super food!  Loaded in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, iron, and its a great antioxidant!

I love that you can drink the juice, eat the seeds as a snack, put them in yogurt, salads...and so many other ways!

But I wanted to post about was this cool new way of dissecting the fruit to enjoy it.
Not sure if any of you have struggled with peeling and getting out the fruit arils out of their membrane...but I definitely have - and have left my kitchen looking like a murder scene after with all of the red juice all over my cutting board, hands, and walls!  eek! yuck!

So when I saw this clip on you-tube on a cool technique to extract the arils in a pretty clean and easy manner, I had to share it with you all!

click on this link:  Pomegranate Instructional Video

I also love this pomegranate salad for this time of year...its so delish!


Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2001

2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 shallots, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 oranges, peeled and segmented
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces goat cheese, cut crosswise into 6 slices
6 thin slices prosciutto
1 large head radicchio, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite sized pieces
1 bunch arugula or watercress, rinsed, patted dry and cut int bite sized pieces
6 large leaves Bibb lettuce, rinsed and patted dry
1 head Belgian endive, stem removed and cut crosswise into thin shreds
Pomegranate seeds, as garnish
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the pomegranate juice and orange zest, vinegar, shallots, salt, pepper and mustard and whisks thoroughly to combine. Add the oil in a steady stream and whisk until emulsified. Fold the segmented oranges and sliced onions into 1/4 cup of the dressing and toss to combine and set aside.

Wrap each slice of goat cheese in a slice of prosciutto. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the wrapped cheeses and sear on both sides. Remove from the heat.

In a large salad bowl, combine the greens. Add the marinated orange sections and onion slices, and toss gently with enough extra dressing to coat evenly. Divide among salad plates and top each with a seared goat cheese package and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Spoon a little extra dressing over each salad and serve immediately.


Happy snacking and cooking!

Love, Stylish Mama

Primers

December 19, 2013

Hello Beauties!

Ever look in the mirror to ask where your makeup went? You know that you spent time that morning to apply a full face of makeup to only find it fading away after a long day at work.  Personally, having a busy schedule, I had to make sure I found the tricks in making sure my makeup stayed on all day with minimal touch-up.  I have combination skin with an oily T-Zone so as I learned more and more about makeup and its application, I realized that my oily skin was causing my makeup to break up and start fading.  Besides the fact that I had a really bad habit of touching my face alot with my hands.  Don't touch your face with your hands!

One of my tricks, which is a MUST, is a primer.  Just like your prime your walls before painting them, you prime your face before applying your makeup.  I have experimented not putting primer on and its guaranteed that my makeup will NOT last all day so when I know I have a long day, I make sure I apply my primer.   

Let me share with you the primers I use.  


Eye Primers: 

Face Primers:

Happy Priming!

Organized Chica - XOX

Radiant Orchid in the Home

December 18, 2013

My girl Organized Chica inspired me to want to do more research on current hot items for the home in this beautiful hot color for 2014!

Pantone's Radiant Orchid!


I don't see myself ever painting a room this color.
Maybe an accent wall of paint, or even a pretty wall paper.
But, I do think its a beautiful color, and I would love to bring it in my home as an accent color.

Here are some decor accents that would look lovey in around the home...
Color Block Lamp Shade 

Bliss Living Home Ikat Orchid Pillow

Plum Kaleidoscope Candle

Orchid Geode Framed and Matted
Zak Designs Confetti 2 Quart Serving Bowl

Frontier Wool Berry and Orchid Rug By Surya
Dancing Oncidium Stem for a Vase
Geo Electric Handmade Pillow on Etsy



1.  Lamp Shade - Color Block purple and orange
2. Bliss Living Pillow at Bloomingdales
3. Kaleidoscope Plum Candle at Nordstrom
4. Framed Orchid Geode
5. Zak Serving Bowl at Bloomingdales
6. Surya Wool Berry and Orchid Rug
7. Pier 1 Dancing Oncidium Stems
8. Etsy Geo-Electric Handmade Pillow

Have a RADIANT day and Happy Shopping!

Love, Stylish Mama

Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid

December 17, 2013



via source

Pantone, the global authority on color, have made their selection for the color of the year for 2014.  For Purple lovers, next year will be your year to shine with your favorite color.  "Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and warmth", Pantone states.

Ladies, get ready to see this enchanting color show up in the 2014 fashion, beauty and home decor.  Let me show you some examples on how you can show off this color in the beauty world.


Buxom Eyeshadow - Lambada

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil - Asphyxia

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm - Shameless


Julep Nail Color - Evelyn

The possibilities are endless.  Whether you decide to use this color in your makeup or use this color as fashion statement, you will be right on track.  Here's a sneak peek of the colors to come in the 2014 Spring Fashion, all chosen by Pantone.  See any favorites? Can't wait for the warmer weather!

via source

Hope these colors got you happy!

Organized Chica - XOX

winter days of New England

December 16, 2013

I am probably in the minority for New Englanders when I say "I despise winter!"

I am a born and raised New Englander.  And even though I have been exposed to winters my whole life...they do not get any easier to deal with.  I still cringe when I see snow in the forecast and I cringe at the thought of frigid temperatures!

But...things can change a little when you become a parent.  Especially a parent to a child who loves to play in the snow and could care less that its below comfortable temperatures outside. 

So now as a mom I can say - I will grin and bear it - to see her happy.





And  having an amazing hubby who makes blueberry pancakes, bacon, and coffee doesn't hurt matters either.

yeah...I love my family.
Can't say I love winter.
But I love my family.
And if they love winter, I will join them in their happiness.

Wishing you a warm and happy Monday!

Love, Stylish Mama

5 Fab Friday

December 13, 2013

5 Things we are loving/wanting/dreaming of on this Friday


Stylish Mama:
1.
Marylou's Marshmallow Delight Coffee
I discovered this delish-ish-ness in a cup when I stopped into my local Marylou's coffee shop this week for a wake-up cup of Java...and wow, was I amazed as to how tasty a dollop of fluff can be on-top of coffee.  So good I am going to have to remake this at home! Perfect way to enjoy coffee in the winter!

2.
Alice and Olivia Starbucks mug with tutu
I was two customers away from getting one today!  When I got up to the counter to see if there were any more in the store I stopped in they said just a few minutes ago the customer who bought two - bought the last two in the store.  Why!??!!  I want!!! I must have! I will be on the hunt!  Perfect mug for any fashionista!


Organized Chica: 
3.
I want and dream of a fireplace, especially in this cold brutal weather we are experiencing in New England.  I can imagine myself in front of my nice fireplace snuggled on the rug enjoying the warmth. I wish I could have one in my home.  To hear the wood crackle and the fire go.  How warm my cold nights would be, one can dream.  


4.
via source

I don't know who these two people are but I sure do wish that was my hot tub! And look! Its right in front of an outdoor fireplace too! The best of 2 worlds in one place.  Oh boy, I'm dreaming big huh? Can you tell that I'm freezing.  You can't deny having a hot tub would be really nice.  

Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica:
5.

Heard it's going to snow in New England this weekend - and a lot...so here is to staying warm and cozy with your loved ones and family!

Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xox - Brrrrrrrrrr!


Product Spotlight: Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy

December 12, 2013

Hands down! This is my all-time favorite hair shampoo and conditioner right now. 
The concept that you should take care of your hair from the scalp makes total sense.  Every few months I change my shampoo so my hair doesn't get use to it but with this shampoo, I haven't had to.  I strongly suggest you give this product a try.  Since I dye my hair, I use the Damage & Color Repair.  They have a shampoo for all hair types.  They also carry a MEN line and the HB highly recommends it gentlemen!  






Did I also mention that it makes your hair smell super amazing!!! I am extremely happy with this hair product. I can give you a list full of benefits but their website will do a better job with all the details.  

Do you have a favorite shampoo that you makes your hair look and feel stunning? Please share in the comments below. 

Organized Chica - XOX

Stylish Mama Top Picks for December, 2013

December 11, 2013

Anyone like to create wish lists?
And maybe one day, just maybe you muster enough courage to buy one of those items on your list?

Here is a little wish list I have created for myself this month:


1. J crew Cable Knit Sweater

2. Coach sparkly I-phone Case

3. Tory Burch Riding Boots

4. Michael Kors Marina Gathered Tote

5. Pretty in Pink Coat from H&M

1. J.Crew Cable Knit Sweater
2. Coach Glittery I-phone case
3.Tory Burch Riding Boot
4. Micheal Kors Gathered Marina Bag
5. H&M Coat


Well those are just a few of my favorite current things.
I think I better stop wishing!

What's on your wish list?

Love, Stylish Mama

Giveaway Winner and Sponsor information

December 10, 2013

We are happy to announce the winner to our first blog giveaway - 3 Month Subscription to Birchbox sponsored by Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica.


We were very excited to see who was going to win this giveaway.  This was our first blog giveaway and we are new on how all this works.  The widget we chose to run our giveaway, Rafflecopter, is awesome because besides it keeping track of all the entries, it also randomly chooses the winner.  This was crucial to us since it takes the guessing game away and pressure.  Again, Congrats to Edith!! 




If you are interested in advertising with us, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at stylishmeetsorganized@gmail.com for futher details.  Your ad will be posted on our blog for our viewers to see.  

Another option would be to partner with us to promote your product or services through a blog post giveaway.  This will give our viewers the opportunity to see your product or service and a chance for them to win them.  We will only promote products and services that we feel identify with us and we feel passionate about.  

Thank you for your interest.

Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica


*this was not a sponsored giveaway - this was funded by our blog, however we do stand behind Birchbox and their products, hence why we chose them as our giveaway prize for our readers.

Saving at Savers!!

December 9, 2013

If any of you know me, you know I love to find a good deal when shopping. 

I was raised by a very savvy and fashionable mom.  My mom showed me how to get fashionable and quality clothing the most affordable ways possible.  My first lesson in shopping as a kid was to march right to the back of the store and find the SALES racks.  Always to shop from the back of the store and then move forward.  Appreciating you can get some really nice things on sale makes you not want those 100% marked up items up front.  I find myself as an adult who has her own spending money on clothing to burn - doing the same thing...walking right to the back and making my way to the front of the store when shopping.  Thanks mom!  :)

One way you can buy really nice clothing for an affordable price is to go to consignment/thrift stores.  A few years ago a chain of thrift stores by the name of Savers came into our area.  I will say the first time I visited there I was VERY overwhelmed by the store.  But I didn't let the overwhelming feeling of hectic shopping overcome me.  Remember a true shopper loves to hunt for the sale or the find of the century!

Savers being a chain has some perks:
1. It's BIG - lots of clothes, household items, toys, shoes
2. Its organized by departments: Men, Women, and kids...also household items
3. It's also organized within each department by types of clothing - example: sweaters, coats,   shirts...and etc.
4. They often run sales for holidays, which means the whole store could be 50% off!
5. They have colored tags for their items so depending on the color of the day - you could save 50% off the colored tag that day.  (so make sure to ask a sales associate what the color of the day is!)

Savers also takes items as donations and a porition of their money goes to charity.  Its a win/win!

I have found some remarkable finds at Savers.  I have also been able to find a few things to sell with my brother who has a Ebay account.  Including some expensive purses, clothing, and shoes. 

Best part of shopping consignment/thrift is shopping for kids.  Think about it, kids are only little for so long - so you can often find really nice items at consignment/thrift stores as kids might have only worn them once previously, or maybe not at all!

Here are just a few items I have found this month alone...some were found last night for my daughter. 

1.) Silk red rose dress for $5.99, 2.) Cream and Heart courdory dress from Old Navy $3.99, and my favorite find of the nite is the last dress shown...3.) A J.Crew Kids (Crew Cuts) that is silk for only $5.99!


 Here are a few other finds that I found my daughter (the mini fashionista) she can use this winter:

A beautiful winter dress coat with faux fur trim for $8.99 - so adorable!
A Janie and Jack velvet black dress, brand new with tags showing an original price of $79.50 - $7.99!


aren't those items great?
And such guilt free shopping!!

Click on this link to find a Savers near you:  Savers

If you live in the local area and want more info on how I shop at Savers, message me...I would love to help!

Happy Shopping and Happy Monday!

Love, Stylish Mama

5 Fab Friday

December 6, 2013

5 Things we are loving/wanting/dreaming of on this Friday


Stylish Mama:


1.
Cadbury Jelly Popping Candy Chocolate

Did any of you like pop-rocks as a kid?  How about Cadbury eggs or milk chocolate? How about jelly beans?  if you answered yes to all three of these things...imagine all of this combined in one bar.  Yup, I tried this thanks to my British pal who just visited me.  Bad news is that I am down to my last bar...so guess what I did, I went on Amazon last night as I was panicking that I might not find this ever here in United States. Found it! I ordered three more!  Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think you might know where to find me on my next PMS venture...knee deep in Cadbury popping jelly bean chocolate!  :)

2.
Zoku shake or slushy Maker

Saw this and new right away I am going to have to get this for myself and my daughter.  I am a mom who likes to control her sugar intake and I am always a fan of all natural and organic products.  So when I saw this new gadget, I knew it would fit my families needs.  The video shown on Williams Sonoma actually shows the demo in action - making a chocolate shake using only chocolate milk.  Here is the same link on YouTube: Zoku Demostration



Organized Chica:

3.
via source
The NeatDesk desktop scanner and digital filing system! Its awesome. It turns your piles of paper into digital files.  No more paper, it saves space as well.  I've been wanting this little device for years now.




4.
via source
I am very excited because tonight I will be going out with close friends to see one of my favorite musicals.  This will be my second time around watching the play at our local theatre, PPACRI.  I will never get tired of watching and listening to The Phantom of Opera.


Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica: 

5.

Reminder:  Don't forget to sign up for our first giveaway! We are so excited to share this with you, please share with your friends. Sign up here! Deadline is this upcoming Monday, 12.9.13!


Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica - XOX

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

December 5, 2013

I can't contain my excitement! Not sure how many of you love musicals but I am hooked.  Now how many of you have seen The Sound of Music? Do you love it? I am not ashamed to admit that I love this classical. 

When I first heard that a new The Sound of Music was being made starring Carrie Underwood, I have to admit I didn't really care for the idea. Not because I have anything against Carrie Underwood but I just thought why redo something that is already a classic. After reading on this further and seeing all the publicity on this new version, I soon learned that this is going to be epic!

Note this special broadcast is not a remake of the movie that Julie Andrews made so famous.  This special is based on the Broadway hit in 1959 that won a Tony Award for Best Musical.  

Carrie Underwood will be playing Maria and "True Blood's" Stephen Moyer will be playing Captain Von Trapp during the LIVE 3-hour broadcast of the musical.  The singing and acting will be LIVE! This is a mayor event for television. 

I hope that you tune in and at least give it a try and check out the performances.  If you want to read and see more behind the scenes footage, click here.




Do you have any favorite songs from this musical? 

Organized Chica - XOX

whats cooking up in Stylish Mama's home...

December 4, 2013

I have to say, I love to eat.  But what I love to do almost just as much is to cook!  I enjoy learning new recipes or making classic dishes that I have made since I was first married.

This week with having a house guest in our home I did a little bit of both.  But the coolest part about my cooking experience this past week was that I was taught a recipe hands on by my friend who visited.  I do so much better with a recipe if there a video attached to the recipe. (my girl Martha and boy Jamie Oliver usually does this with theirs) However if someone is willing to take the time to show me in person, this is when I feel memories are created with that dish...and it becomes that more special!

My friend Pam has talked about how she has made the dessert Pavlova a few times in the past.  And then one of my other friends had told me how she fell in love with Pavlova at a restaurant in Natick...a little too far for me to travel to just for dessert :)

I will admit, I was intimated at first to try this dessert on my own as I am not a baker.  I can cook a mean meal...but bake? Well I have had my share of failures.  So when we started talking about what we would have for meals...I threw it out there as to why not cook together a meal on Saturday and we could collaborate.  She loved the idea!

And for dessert, we would have Pavlova.  She as well is a Jamie Oliver fan, so we used one of his recipes for a classic Pavlova topped with fresh cream and berries.  WOW!  Not only was it relatively easy to make - it was DELISH!  I am in love.  And I am already planning on making it for my family this upcoming weekend.

Here is the recipe she used...Jamie Oliver - Fruit Pavlova
Pam just added a little lime juice and toasted coconut to that recipe...made it her own in a way.
The only thing is we had to convert some of the measurements to American.  There are plenty of recipes out there, so go ahead and look for some to try.  I have found a few by Martha that I am dying to try.
marthastewart-pavlova-with-passion-fruit

here is how ours turned out:
Lime Coconut Pavlova with Fresh Berries

And it was just as delicious as it looks!

Happy Baking!!

Love, Stylish Mama

Local Shops

December 3, 2013

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  As you could see in Stylish Mama's post yesterday, we had a busy weekend.  I also tried a new recipe and I have to say it came out yummy.  Below is an image and link to the recipe I tried from the blog My Colombian Recipes.

 My Colombian Recipes
My Colombian Recipes

Also this weekend was very cold, brrrrr! Cold is definitely here to stay in New England.  That got me thinking that I would share with you local cafe shops that I like to visit when I am in the Providence, RI area. I always prefer supporting my local shops then buying from chains that sometimes lack that personal feel to them.  Of course, that is just my personal opinion.  Whether I go during my lunch break or on the weekend, these are my top choices to warm up this season so make sure to check them out.



Locally owned family business that always have freshly made pastries and breads!  I am addicted to their Hot Apple Cider and Chocolate Croissants!  More details here.



Created and owned by Alex and Ani, this shop has an endless menu and everything is soooo yummy! Read their menu here.



L'artisan Cafe & Bakery is this small shop that has freshly sandwiches and salads ready for you to grab on the go or just enjoy it inside their cozy shop.  



A home turned into a Snuggery.  You must try their Smokey Bean Dip. Yummy! Details on their website here!

  
Just a reminder! Don't forget to sign up for self sponsored Giveaway that we are having "3 Month Subscription to Birchbox". Read our post "Happy Anniversary to us...and a Giveaway!" Deadline is next Monday, 12.9.13. Please help us share this great giveaway and share it on Facebook, Instagram and/or tell a friend.



Once again thank you for all your support.

Organized Chica, XOX

Fun weekend spent in around the Boston area

December 2, 2013

What an amazing long weekend spent with friends! Hope you all were able to do the same or at least enjoy some time off work this past week.

My bestie from the U.K. came out to visit this past week...and we had to make sure we did a million things all jammed packed in the very few days we had together.

While planning our time together...I came up with a few touristy and local places to visit.  A must when someone is traveling from another country.  Even though she has been here countless of times to visit.

There is just honestly too much to post about - and I wouldn't want to bore you with it all.  But I figured I would share with you all a few must do things for our local area.

One place we visited in Boston (Quincy Market) was a new ice bar.  Its called Frost Ice Bar and it was really "cool" - a balmy 21 degrees cool!  If you have friends visiting the Boston area and are planning on doing some shopping or eating down in the Quincy Market area - this is a must!  The bar has all ice hand carved furniture, and even the drinking glasses are made out of ice.  There is also fun ice sculptures inside the bar - one being a giant swan boat that you can sit in.  Both the girls and the guys in our group enjoyed the experience...and oh dont worry they make sure to keep you warm - the bar experience also includes a big warm quilted parka and gloves.  One of the things the guys enjoyed was the fact that you were allowed to "smash" your glasses when you left the bar - as they are made out of ice and are never reused.

See photos of us girls in the ice bar below:




Last Friday I think you might recall me mentioning a favorite local shop I enjoy visiting.  Called Palettes of Natick, Mass.  I have been here a total of 3 girls night outs...and honestly, I have enjoyed each visit in a totally different way.  I have had the joy of going with a different mix of girls each time...so it's fun in a way to see how each one of my friends reacts to the class being taught.  This is a great place to go with your friends or even parents or siblings...which I have seen all of these kinds of groups when I have been to Palettes.
Check out our fun in the photo below:



As you can see in the photos above all of our paintings came out a little different.  Love my friends and their unique style!!!  xoxo

Thanks to all my friends who gave me some great new memories...and a special thank you to my British Fab Gal Pam for coming out to visit me once again...I love you to the moon and back girly!

Love,

Stylish Mama