Fall Fun Filled Weekend

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  I know I had fun!  It was one of those weekends that was jammed packed with activities that it flew right by.  This weekend my friend Miranda of M.C. Photography and I finalized plans for mini photo sessions that will be held next Saturday!  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to help her with her first mini session.  As part of our test run she had asked if my family would be interested in being her test subjects.

The location is a perfect New England spot for fall mini sessions.  It is the historic Red Barn in Holden, MA. Gorgeous red barn, leaves scattered on the ground, and a beautiful crisp fall nite.

Love these Miranda!  I seriously can't wait to help style the session on Saturday.  And lets break out the Cider and Donuts, shall we?


If you are interested in learning more about Miranda's Photography - Please check out her website:  M.C. Photography.  She is one talented lady!

Can't wait to show you more of what I had styled for this session.  Will post that next week!

Have a great week!

Love, Stylish Mama

5 Fab Friday

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

Stylish Mama

1.

Candied Apples....mmm 'nuf said!

2.

Hunter Boot

I love Hunter Boots - and as a new owner, I am all about the matching fleece sock inserts.  They are super comfortable and adorable!  A Fall must have!  I can't wait to wear mine apple picking this weekend!

Organized Chica

3.

Mulled Apple Cider

 I am not a coffee or hot chocolate drinker so hot apple cider is the drink for me to warm me up during those chilly days.  

4.

Shawls/Scarves!

 In every color and print.  I love how I can wear them as scarves or just wrap myself in them and look stylish while staying warm.  

Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica fall favorite:

5.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This has become a favorite for both of us.  Such a bowl of comfort...perfect fall soup packed with flavor!

Love, 

Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xox

Most Innovative City in the World in 2013

Pack your bags! We're going to South America!

My family comes from the coast of Colombia, the city is called Barranquilla.  Most kids would go to Disney World for vacation but that wasn't my case. Most of my school vacations were spent back home with my family. Those are my fondest childhood memories.  Colombia has a lot to offer, besides the coffee that its known for and ahem...other things. Unfortunately I haven't visited all its cities but they are on my bucket list.  Therefore when I was given the opportunity to fly and visit the 2nd largest city in Colombia, I didn't hesitate to say YES. 

Welcome to Medellin, Colombia!

Since I was very little, visiting Medellin was a dream of mine.  I already loved it without even seeing it with my own eyes.  When I arrived and I saw the city for the first time, my eyes teared up and I felt a knot in my throat.  I was fulfilling one of my long time dreams, it was all coming true. I was finally there! I could breathe its air, see its beauty, listen to their music, touch its soil and eat all the delicious foods.  It felt like home and that's what mattered to me.  

If you wish to learn about this beautiful city, I recommend you click on the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medellín to read more and find out why this city won Most Innovative City of the World in 2013.

(Excuse the quality of my pictures, I didn't have the best camera with me.  My only regret!)

Food!! Yum! Yum!!

I love food. I can't stress that enough and I eat tons! Ask any of my friends.  Let me share with you how many times we eat in Colombia: we have a good breakfast, snack between lunch, a huge lunch, a snack before dinner and then a huge dinner.  Oh, and lets not forget the snack before bed.  Cafesito con arepita (coffee with cornmeal cakes).  Is that enough of food for you? 

Are you hungry yet? Just putting this collage together of just some of the foods I ate is making me hungry! 

A quick tour of the city!

Take a look at this mall! 

Lastly I will show you a couple of the things I did in the Antioguia region.  I rode the Metro Cable, very scary at times because of the altitude.  I rode a horse for the first time, that hurt! I rode the Metro, had dinner on Colombia's Luxury Yacht, climbed all 740 steps of "La Piedra de Guatape" and visited their town.  

I hope you enjoyed traveling with me through my pictures.  I had a wonderful time! 

I welcome you all to visit Colombia, you will not regret it.  

Feliz dia!!

Organized Chica - xox 

Styling guide for your kids Fall Photo Shoot

Fall is upon us!!

I have always loved capturing this time of year in photos.  The tree leaves turning color, the crisp air that lets us get wrapped up in cozy warm outfits.  If you are planning on doing a family photo shoot this fall I have put together a little guide as to some fun ideas on how to dress your children.  Most of these ideas came from Baby Gap and Janie and Jack  - however I did find some accessories on Etsy - such a fun website to find hats, and bows...all to add to the cuteness!!

 As always - we start with the girls

Ages 0-12 

Toddler

And the boys are just as adorable

Ages 0-12

Toddler

As you can see - I love color!

But I also love the warm neutral colors that feel so much like FALL to me!!

If you have any questions or need any more suggestions - don't hesitate to contact me. 

I love to help plan and shop...and especially for something as special as a family portrait.

Love, Stylish Mama

Organized Chica is back!

Catching up...

First of all, I would like to thank my friend, Stylish Mama, for taking care of things while I was gone on vacation.  I had limited access to the internet due to the fact I was at another country and let's face it, when you are having so much fun, technology isn't a priority sometimes.  I hope you all enjoyed her posts. Once I had internet access I felt like all of you.  I sat down to read what she wrote and I was intrigued to see what were the topics for each day.

I can't stress the fact that having a great relationship with your friend who you are sharing a hobby or a "business" with is crucial.  To know that you have each others back and be able to fully have that trust makes one at ease.

She is a dedicated mother and wife and no words to express the awesome friend and business partner she is despite her busy schedule.  Therefore, publicly, I would like to say, "THANK YOU Kim for taking care of our baby, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica, while I was away".

On that note, watch out for a post this week on some pictures I will be posting from my trip.  I just returned on Sunday and I'm catching up with all that accumulated while I was gone.  A week vacation isn't much but a week out of your regular life, WOW! Errands, household chores and just little everyday tasks just pile up. Any of you feel that you pay for going on vacation? Either way for me, this pleasure/business vacation was worth it every minute!

I hope you stick around and enjoy my vacation blog as we travel together through my pictures.

Organized Chica - xox

Happy Monday! 

Lemon Drop Martini!

Why not start a dreaded Monday morning with the subject of a fabulous cocktail!

This has become a recent favorite of mine.  I often will order it out if it's on the drink menu.

However I was told it's super easy to make at home!  And that had me interested in making it for myself this weekend.  Funny enough - I had all the ingredients on hand!  So that was the easy part.

Here is what I used:
1 1/2 ounces vodka - I had Ciroc on hand but my favorite Vodkas are Grey Goose or Belvedere
1/2 ounce orange liqueur
1 teaspoon superfine sugar - or to taste
1 lemon squeezed (I have a hand lemon/lime squeezer I got ages ago from Pottery Barn)
Ice cubes
and a teaspoon of sugar to coat the rim of the glass
Twisted peel of lemon


Preparation:
Mix the vodka, orange liqueur, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice; shake well  (I usually insert a silly bartender dance here - and shake shake shake for 40-60 seconds).
Pour strained liquor into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.

Makes 1 serving. 

Its really superb.
See photos below of my martini making -

If your Monday is a dreaded Monday - Maybe you will make this a Martini Monday!

Love, Stylish Mama

5 Fab Friday

This Friday we are featuring our five favorite and things we can't live without for traveling!

If you haven't noticed already - Organized Chica has been away on vacation this week.  Miss her! However she did leave me her two favorite things for today's post before she left.  She will be back next week so don't fret!

Stylish Mama-

1.

When traveling I think it's best to be stylish yet comfortable.  This sweater can be found at - www.piperlime.com It's made by C&C California and is a cashmere blend.  Love the feeling of cashmere!!  And this color is so fun but it also comes in basic black or grey.


2.

My other necessity while traveling is chap-stick. I have tested many chap-sticks in my time - and this one is my ultimate go to - nothing glamorous about it - but the minty cool soothing feeling I get from it always makes my lips feel so good!!  Ain't nobody got time for chapped lips while traveling!

Organized Chica -


3.

I also like to travel comfortably - but still look cute!  My favorite leggings are from NY and Co.

4.

Neck Pillow is essential - especially for those long trips when you need to take a nap and don't want to fall asleep on the passenger next to you - come on its all happened to us!

Stylish Mama and Organized Chica

5. 

Both dreaming of a trip to Paris.  Fashion, Food, Wine...do we really need to say more?

Have a Fab Weekend!

Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xox

Jamie Oliver is the man - if he can't do it - well I sure can!

Oh Jamie!

Any one else have a culinary crush on the British Chef - Jamie Oliver?  I have been a fan for almost 15 years now.  I am fascinated with his laid back / chill personality in the kitchen.  He makes the most complicated dishes look "easy peasy."  I also kinda like how he has his own dialog and comes up with his own words!   Which I have adapted as I have followed his career throughout the years.  Ok enough talking about how cool this guy is.

The point of this post is to tell you - if you haven't tried his recipes yet...you gotta start!
He currently has started a channel on YouTube called Food Tube.  Its a fun way to watch a recipe come to life as he will go through it step by step.  I also follow him on Instagram - when he posts a pic of a dish that looks tantalizing - I just have to go watch the coordinating video!

So when I saw him post this dish on Instagram, I was sold!

Sticky Traybaked Chicken - Just click here - Jamie Oliver - Sticky Tray Baked Chicken

I will tell you - I made this for dinner for the family this week.
And it was a super easy  (or how Jamie would say -easy peasy)  - cheap, and TASTY!

Here is how mine turned out.

This is how I plated it - I served it with Basmati Rice and Balsamic Glaze from Trader Joe's

 

 

Mmm Mmm Mmm!

 

Hope you can give this one a try!

 

Love,  Stylish Mama

 

 

 

 

Summer Doesn't Have to End...

Samantha Faye Jewelry

I recently stumbled across fun, whimsical, and creative jewelry made by a local jeweler out of Boston, Mass. 

Her name is Samantha Faye and she makes some really cool necklaces with charms - I love how you can capture your summer memories with her line.  Have any of you gone to the Cape this summer?  How about Martha's Vineyard or even Nantucket? 

Well now you can keep your summer memories with you by wearing one of these beauties:

Cape Cod Necklace ($68)

Martha's Vineyard Necklace ($68)

Nantucket Necklace ($68)

How cute are those??

There are many collections - those were just a few I felt were fun to share as they were local places.  But I also loved the Closet Collection - which has an adorable bow necklace and button one that I would love.

I suggest you travel lovers to take a little "trip" over to her website and check out all her fun pieces.

shopsamanthafaye.com

Let me know which one you can picture on yourself!


And speaking of jewelry...

Had to share a photo taken last night of my mini stylish mama rocking mommy's necklace.
She saw it on me and asked to wear it.

isn't she cute?

Love, Stylish Mama

 

 

 *I am not sponsored by Samantha Faye  

A beautiful wedding on the water

Got to attend a wedding on the water this past weekend.

The ceremony and reception was held at the Griffith House of Saunderstown,  Rhode Island.
It was a beautiful home right on the water.  What a view!

Gorgeous location.
Gorgeous bride.
Great food.
Great drinks.

So happy for them!

Here is my OOTD for the wedding:

The dress is from Express, hair piece is from Icing, nude pumps from Tarjay!

and 

my eye make-up was done by the lovely Organized Chica!

The Husband and I

a close up of my make-up  - I love how she made my eyes pop!

If you are looking for a good recommendation for getting glammed up with your make-up, my girl Marilyn knows where its at!  

This was a summer wedding - and in my look I think you can tell I was holding onto the summer!!  

I think other seasons are fun to attend weddings so you can change your look.

What is your favorite time of year to get glammed up?

Can't wait to hear from you!

Love, Stylish Mama

zara for my mini stylish mama!

Zara Kids 

When I saw their fall collection I almost died!
Such cute things!  So stylish!  So fun!
If we put so much time into our own looks - why shouldn't our mini me's get the same?


I had fun creating this mini me look from the kids fall line at Zara!

you really should check out www.zara.com for both you and or the little ones!

Happy Shopping!

Love, Stylish Mama

5 Fab Friday

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

Stylish Mama's list -

1. Lennonx Flat by Tory Burch - A Classic Timeless Shoe

2. Old Navy light weight sweater scarf for under $20 - totally cute and fun for fall!

Organized Chica list - 

3. iPhone 5s  - The techie side of me

4.  I dream of a walk-in closet - but who doesn't?  Who wouldn't want a beautiful organized space where your suits are not crammed, your elegant blouses nicely hung by color or lets talk shoes?  

Every pair of shoes would have a home!!

 (I could clearly go on and on about the beauty of having an organized walk-in closet but I think you get it!)

Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica wish:

5.  Wishing summer to stay!

What is on your 5 Fab Friday list? 

Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica xox

For the Love of OMBRE!

Many reasons how I can count thee love for the hairstyle of Ombre! 

1.  It’s fun!  (think about rocking more than one color at a time)
2. It’s perfect for my wavy unruly hair – if I decide not to straighten my hair – it still looks pretty good!
3. And my favorite reason…IT’S ECONOMICAL!  (read on to see why)

The word Ombre is French for having colors or tones that shade into each other - a transition from a dark color to lighter tips.  There are many ways to accomplish this hair style – my favorite way is to walk into the salon and see my favorite hair stylist Vanessa (she is amazing!)  However I know some girls who can rock the hair highlighting on their own.

I have often had conversations with my hair stylist about how carefree and low maintenance the ombre really is.  I am embarrassed to admit that ever since I became a mommy – I am sitting in that salon chair less and less these days.  So when I found a hairstyle and looks just as good two or even three months out from the first day getting it done – I was hooked! I never have to fear my roots being exposed – because guess what – the highlights are suppose to fall lower!  (GENIUS)

I was sporting a summer ombre up until last week – I am finally coming to grips with the fact that fall is right around the corner and I have to switch the hair up too.  Leaving my summer kissed hair and transitioning more to a darker tone on the top.  But guess what…my tips were able to stay!  Such an easy transition!

Here is my before and after of summer – to fall color

Oh and a little beauty find while at the salon!

My hair stylist used the Redken Product Smooth Lock Stay Sleek* – looks like this:

Wow, the bottle had a hair description that hit home -made for UNRULY hair!  - hello – ME!!

Check out the benefits from the bottle:

Lock in frizz free smoothness for up to 3 shampoos.* Heat activated formula tames, nourishes and seals hair cuticles for a sleek, compacted look. Eases blow drying of dry and unruly hair

And again the economical side of me says  - I don’t have to use this product every day – it lasts up to 3 shampoos – yes little bottle – you are coming home with me!

I have been using this since – and have noticed a difference in my hair already.  And if I can get a little help making my unruly hair behave – I will take it.

Happy hair styling!

Love, Stylish Mama!

*I am not being sponsored by the Redken company

Makeup in 5 minutes or less

You look at the clock and you notice you need to be out of the door in less then 10 minutes! What?!!! And you still need to feed the dog, put a load in of laundry, pack up your breakfast and find your keys all while your husband and kids are asking you to find THEIR things.  Any of these things ever happen to you? 

You know the day that you don't do your make-up, you will run into that one person that you wish you hadn't because you look like a hot mess. Then you promise yourself that you will never leave your house without make up again.  Yeah, that's not gonna happen, but I do have some products that have been my life saver when I don't have time or I'm just plain lazy to do a full face of makeup.  Here's my list of products: 

1.  Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Oil Free   ($43 at Sephora)

This product is on the pricer side but the quality is unbelievable and it lasts for a long time.  You save steps with a tinted moisturizer because you moisturize, get a healthy glow of color, and SPF all at once! Apply with a brush, wet sponge or your fingers.

The shade I use is Sand.

2. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR  Cream Gel Shadow    ($6.99 at CVS)

When saying I love this product that's an understatement.  I must have almost all the colors these cream shadows come in.  You want to give your eyes a pop or some depth, use any of their many colors.  You can apply it with your finger or with a synthetic brush.  If you have no time to do anything, at least keep a basic color in your purse and apply it on the go.  Its creamy and the color lasts for a long time.  Either use this cream alone or use it as a base to make your powder eye shadow pop and stay on longer.  

My favorite colors are Bad to the Bronze and Bold Gold.  

3. Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express Mascara    ($7.49 at CVS)

I switch mascaras all the time because I like experimenting with them to see which one gives me the best results.  Currently I am loving this particular mascara because it really does what it promises to do. It won't clump, it separates each lash, gives you volume and length.  Just make sure you remove with a good eye makeup remover, this stuff doesn't wash out as easy as others do, but it sure lasts all day. 

I use color Brownish Black.

4. Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter    ($7.99 at CVS)

This hydrates your lips while giving you a sheer shade of color. A great alternative to your regular chap-stick.

It comes in a variety of colors and you can layer it on for a darker color. (I have also used it on my cheeks for a quick rosy look when I have forgotten my blush.)

So there you have it! You can easily carry these products in your purse and do your makeup on the run or just use this as a daily routine.  You don't need to use these same products but you get the idea that we really can simplify our make-up routine to accommodate our lifestyles.  

Also remember, what works for some, may not work on others.  My best tip: try it and if you don't like it, return it.  Most beauty stores and pharmacies will let you return any opened beauty product for an exchange or refund.  

What is your quick make-up routine?  

Can't wait to read your comments ~ Organized Chica - xox

* I was not sponsored by any of the products mentioned above. 

Welcome to our new adventure

Welcome and Bienvenidos!   

We are so excited to finally start blogging!!

Let us begin by telling you our names – Stylish Mama is Kim and Organized Chica is Marilyn.

We are both 30 something Latinas in the  New England region.  We have a passion and love for many girly things!  In our blog you will find topics on fashion, organization, food, shopping, make-up, home decorating and much more. 

As you start to read our blog, you will notice we will be featuring different topics that we have strengths in or enjoy just talking about.  These entries will either be individual or a joint entry if we worked on something together.  Whoever wrote it - you will see our names posted after the entry– in hoping you will get a sense of our individual style and personality!

We would like to state that we are not being sponsored by any brand or company that we will be featuring in our blog, unless specified otherwise.  We will not stand behind a product or service that we do not believe in. Therefore as we feature them, we will always give our honest opinion, making sure that you as a reader will gain a non-biased review.   

In saying that, please visit our ABOUT US page so you can get a background in who we are and what we are all about. 

We would love for you to give us feedback on our blog entries, but please keep in mind that this is a family-oriented and positive forum and we will not tolerate bullying or foul language.   With your help we will find out what you enjoy reading and learning about.  Please remember we are amateur bloggers starting out on a journey of the unknown.   Our blog will be growing as we keep learning so please stay tuned as new pages and features appear.  We know we cannot be successful without having all of you as our support system.  So thank you to all who wish to be part of this.  We are feeling so blessed and thrilled for what is to come! 

Stay tuned as we take a leap into the unknown together!

Lots of Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xox

See you soon!!!