5 Fab Friday

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

Tomorrow is Shop Small Business day - a day dedicated to supporting local business and shops.  Are you planning on shopping Saturday locally?  Why not support a local business.  Did you know when you shopped an independent, locally owned businesses, 52% of what you spend stays right in your community?  Happy local shopping everybody...here is a list of some of our favorites:

Stylish Mama:

1.

Palettes of Natick, Massachusetts

A great art studio where you can paint, have a drink from their own in house bar, and the best part...there is no pressure of being a great artist. Its all about just having fun!  I have been there twice and plan on going Saturday to paint with a group of friends.  You can find out more here: PalettesofNatick

2.

Paper Store of Bellingham, Massachusetts

The Paperstore is my go to store for gifts or cards and wrapping paper.  They sell cute costume jewelry, Alex and Ani, Yankee Candle, Hallmark gifts, and Vera Bradley to name just a few items.  The store originated in Maynard, Mass. But now there are a few in around Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Here is a link to show what the store has and locations:  ThePaperstore

Organized Chica:

3.

La Feria de las Fajas, Central Falls, RI

In business for over 10 years, this women boutique specializes importing clothing from Colombia, such as jeans, high quality underwear and is an authorized distributor of the best selling international girdle line, Fajas Diseños D'Prada, just to name a few items.  I always get compliments when I wear their clothing and if your looking for that unique casual outfit, this is the place.  Their jeans fit like a glove and are always very flattering.  To learn about their specials, visit them on Facebook and or visit their girdle website.

4.

Runcible Spoon, Providence, RI

This is the cutest store where you can find that unique gift or home decor.  They also sell an extensive line of greeting cards.  More details on their website: Runcible Spoon

Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica: 

5.

Olga's Cup and Saucer of Providence, RI 

Olga's Cup and Saucer  is a great little bakery that also serves lunch and weekend brunch.  We both are known to visit Olga's for lunch as its right down the street from our office building.  The neat thing about Olga's is that they serve Artisinal breads baked freshly and feature local produce in their menu.  Definetly a go to for lunch...we recommend the black bean burger when its on the menu and the roasted salmon salad.  Yum!
Details about Olga's cup and Saucer can be found here:  olgascupandsaucer


Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica - xox

Getting back on track with America's MoneySmart Family

A few years back I was looking into different resources on how to manage my finances.  Although my mom instilled in me good money habits, I still had lots to learn.  I felt I needed a guide on how to manage the bills, the home repairs, groceries, etc all while trying to still enjoy life.  One night while I was watching ABC 20/20, the following segment aired "Debt in America Flat Broke and Borrowing" and that is where I learned about the family that would inspire me to change things.

I suggest you watch the video below.  (I apologize for the resolution)

 

I introduce you to "America's Money Smart Family", formerly known as "America's Cheapest Family".  I have been a fan of theirs ever since I first saw them on TV.  This family inspired me on how I changed the way I handle finances and a few other things too.  For some, they are extremist, way too cheap but their lifestyle worked and continues to work for them.  When I followed most of their advice, I was living proof, along with my family, that I was able to sleep sound at night because my debt-free and I was money smart.  I kid you not, as soon as I "fell off the wagon" with my budgeting, I paid the consequences.  Which brings me to writing this post.  We all have had good and bad economical times.  Sometimes we have made poor choices with our finances and have to live with the results of our actions but its never too late to pick yourself up and get back on track.

Let me share with you the two books that were that exact guide that I was looking for, America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On The Money and Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half.  I highlighted, wrote side notes, sticky notes, you name it! I studied those books like if I was taking a finance course in college.  I recently took my books out again to restudy them because we all need a refresher course.  Life has many changes so I could have overlooked a good suggestion because it didn't apply to me back when I read the book originally but they do apply now. In the future I will share with you what works for me and my family in hopes that maybe I can give you ideas.

 Give the books a try and maybe you can find helpful tips to help you establish good financial habits or even improve what you already have in place.  Adapt their suggestions to your lifestyle and start with baby steps.  Finances is sometimes a sensitive topic so I wanted to openly share with you what worked for me since I had such a hard time finding a good, easy to understand guide I could use in my life.  Visit their website at www.moneysmartfamily.com and check out their extra information.

Happy Finances!

Organized Chica - xox


*I was not sponsored by America's Money Smart Family (America's Cheapest Family) and images are from their website.  

Part 2: Under the Stairs Linen Closet

As promised from last weeks post, Part 1: Under the Stairs Linen Closet, I will show you my linen closet almost done and organized.  I love it!  In the process I made a list of things I need to buy like new towels and new bedding.   The reason I say its "almost" done is because I still have a few things planned that need to be accomplished. Hope you enjoy the reveal! For the record, I still open the doors just to look at it, its a beauty.  It may not be this luxury closet but it's mine and was customized by Mr. Handyman! 

First I sorted through all the items I was going to store away in my linen closet.  I refolded things properly (to my standards...long story) Anyone out there picky on how your clothes and linens are folded? Please share! 

I also made labels for each bin.  I used Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery ElastiNote Tags in Blue and my label maker.  Yup! I have a label maker.  See how I labeled my bins. 

I then organized all my extra toiletries and paper goods (no room in the kitchen for my extra paper goods so I store it in my linen closet) in a Sterilite 16.5-Gallon (66-Quart) Latch Storage Box and labeled them.  I slipped pretty scrapbook paper in the front so you can't see through the bin contents.  I purchased my scrapbook paper at Michaels in clearance.  I used a small cloth bin to micro organize all the smaller items, like hand soaps, razors, hair gels, etc.  

I then used Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Adhesive Metal Bookplate Silver Horizontal  to label my shelves.  

Here it is! My linen closet. 

 Here's my under the stairs linen closet anatomy:

I also store my opened and extra cleaning products in a Small White Household Cart that stays in my linen closet that I can roll out when I do house chores.

I do have to finish up a few details and maybe tweak a couple of things but for now it works just fine.  Hope this inspires you a bit.

If you have any questions or want more details on anything you see here, please leave a comment below.

Happy organizing!

Organized Chica - xox

*I was not sponsored by any of the products used in this project or mentioned in this post.

Happy Anniversary to us...and a Giveaway!

Our fabulous 3 month anniversary for our blog is right around the corner!  (yay! go us!)

And what better way to celebrate it by having a giveaway for you to enjoy!
You all matter to us so we would like to give you all a big thank you.  We really could have not done this without your support. And if you just started reading our blog - welcome!!!!  Hope you continue to follow us as you never know when we might have a giveaway!  :)

We hope you will participate in our Birchbox Giveaway!!!

Who doesn't love mail?
How about gifts in the mail?
How about three months of free gifts in the mail!

Oh yah!  Now we got your attention - please read on to see what exactly is in our giveaway:

For those who don't know what Birchbox is, it is a wonderful way of sampling and discovering top beauty and grooming products from high-end brands that are shipped monthly to the comfort of your own home. Read more about it here.

I (Organized Chica) have been a Birchbox member for about two years and let me tell you I still get excited every month when my Birchbox comes in the mail.  I take my time to examine every item in my box and start planning when I will start using them.  If it weren't for my Birchbox, I wouldn't have ever tried some amazing beauty products that I now include in my beauty routine.  Every month you will get a variety of different items, from new makeup to perfumes, to snacks and the list continues.

Starting in December, I will start blogging about my monthly Birchbox to share with you my excitement.  The great part of this is that one of you could win a 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION* (U.S. Residents only) to Birchbox and experience the excitement once you receive your box in the mail.

Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter (a site we are using to run the contest) and will be contacted by us for further details on your win.  Share this great news with your family, friends, even co-workers.  Everyone has a chance to win.  Entries end on 12.9.13! So what are you waiting for...enter today!

Steps to enter:

• Leave a comment below on our blog letting us know what you have enjoyed about our blog
• Click on the giveaway link below with your name and email address
• Then click on the button "I commented" and you are all set

The Link to the givewaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Women's box only and U.S. Residents Only- for shipping purposes

Disclaimer: This is a self sponsored giveaway.  Deadline to enter is December 9, 2013

5 Fab Friday

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

Stylish Mama:

1.

Fair Isle Leggings - GAP

I saw these adorable leggings at Gap Body yesterday and I was going to so buy them...but...they didn't have my size.  Will need to online shop as card holders get an extra 50% today!  I can so picture lounging in these or even better...pairing up with my UGG's!

2.

Bailey UGG

UGG WEATHER IS HERE!

Love 'em or hate 'em - I know of people who either or.  However once you try actually wearing them on a bitterly cold New England day you will be wishing you had one in just about every color.  I have UGG's in chestnut brown and in grey (like pictured above) ...I find my grey ones to be a great neutral color that goes with just about anything.  Love these guys - and my tootsies do too!!  

Organized Chica: 

3.

Michael Kors Mini-Size Parker 

Multi-Function Watch, Silver Color

I've had my eye on this beauty since last year.  Don't think I'll ever own this but it sure does look pretty on my wrist.  I always go pay it a visit at the watch counter when I'm in the store.  Window shopping doesn't hurt, right? 

4.

ATV

I'm not much of a sports person at all, but to learn how to ride an ATV seems so fascinating to me! Why not? I can unleash my inner adventurous self...haha! It just looks like so much fun! Has anyone tried this? 

Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica: 

5.

We love this quote...how many of you had this ah-ha moment with a fellow friend - and instantly knew they were going to be a friend for life!  Such a great feeling!

Happy weekend!

Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica - xox

Container Store

Oh the Container Store! What can I say? I'm in la-la land when I go inside this store.  Stress-free zone for this Chica!!!  Let's say I'm a kid in a candy store.  Can you hear the orchestra playing in the background? Ok, I know, its just me.  I told you I'm a little wacky when it came to organizing.  This is organization heaven! 

What is the Container Store? For those who don't know its a retail chain store that specializes in storage and organizational solutions.  Envision a store with aisles and aisles packed, all in a organized way, up high with all the goodies you need to organize your home and life for that matter.  

Unfortunately the store closest to me is a bit of distance away.  I don't get to visit it too much like I would if I had one closer to me but that is all going to change soon! Last week my friend told me that there was a Container Store opening right here in Cranston, Rhode Island at the Garden City Center.

Wanna know how I reacted?

I was ecstatic!!!  I couldn't believe it! Yiay!!! So naturally I confirmed with the website and yes its true!!  

You will know where to find me as of May 17th, 2014! 

I also wanted to share with you my top picks from the Container Store's current winter catalog.  All practical and affordable gifts to simplify a little bit our days.  

1. Memo Sticky Roll |2. Cable Cord Drop Clips |3. Spoiler Alert | 4. Membo Daily Reminder |5. Tumble Trivets |6. Table & eReader Stand  |7. bobino Key Clip |8. Toothpaste Tube Squeezer  |9. in.bag Handbag Organizer  |10. Travalo Easy-Fill Perfume Atomizer

Hope this sparks your interest on the Container Store.  I can't wait until my store opens up!

Let the Countdown begins!

Happy Organizing!

Organized Chica - xox

Chop it off!

Welp.
I did it.
I finally changed my hairstyle.

For those of you who follow us on Instagram, you already are informed that I was thinking about changing my hair for a while now...and had actually gone through with the haircut this past weekend.

I had four choices for those who follow us to help me pick.
And I also asked my friends on my personal account.

And believe it or not...the majority went with the style I was thinking about getting in the first place.
"you all are so intuitive!"

So I picked B - an angled bob.

Right before I went into see my favorite and only hair stylist Vanessa At Noelle's Day Spa in Franklin, MA...I sent my girl Marilyn a text with this pic and capturing it  "kiss the old hair goodbye!" as she was against me cutting my long locks. (hee hee, Marilyn, I love to tease! glad you are a good sport about it)

And here is the results of my cut:


its pretty drastic...



Don't say I didn't warn you...

My girl Vanessa hooked me up with a great cut and color.  I love that she used Redken Chromatics, which is a new hair coloring system that has a built in Oil delivery System - almost likened to a Moroccan oil. So not only does it look vibrant and new but oh so shiny!  My hair feels so sleek and healthy!

Oh and since the guys in a lot of our lives (including my man) are participating in MOvember - i was thinking we should call December - BOBember - anyone with me?  I know of a good hair stylist who could hook you up with a new look!  (heehee)

Love, Stylish Mama




*I am not sponsored by any of the products listed above

Part 1: Under the Stairs Linen Closet

I have a few details to take care of in my linen closet so that I can say its complete, that I will share with you. First, I thought I would show you how ugly my closet looked before the transformation.   The beauties of having your personal handyman (or just plain nagging your HB until he gets it done). I was able to re-purpose one of my under the stair closets into my linen closet.

I live in an old house so we have remodeled through the years by sections but some areas hadn't been touched in years.  One of the them being this closet. Yikes!

These aren't the best images so please pardon but I figure they are clear enough for you to see the before and after at least.

This closet was used to store clothes before. I wish I would've taken a picture on how packed it was.  But one bad picture is enough, right? or two! 

This closet didn't have shelves, this was taken when the shelves were being tested.  Making sure they were cut correctly and placed on the correct height.  The iron board rack and the mop/broom holder were mounted to make sure everything fit appropriately.  

Now look at what a fresh coat of paint and new flooring can do, looks like a different closet.

Painted shelves are up.

To see how my linen closet turned out, check my Part 2: Under the Stairs Linen Closet. All I can say is that I'm a happy girl because I have a pretty linen closet.  Custom made! 

Happy Organizing!

Organized Chica - xox

Winter Shopping for the little ones...

I hate to discuss the awful idea of having to shop for winter clothes.
However, reality is that temps are dropping and we are starting to break out sweaters, boots, and coats.

So I am going to share with you some adorable ways to keep our little toddler ones warm, toasty, and yet so stylish this upcoming winter.

Toddler Girls:

Bubble Gum Pink Wool Coat from GAP 

Isn't the color so sweet!? And those bows make it so adorable for this age.  Love this number!

Link:
Gap Wool Bow Coat

Milk White Vest from GAP

Vests are one of my must haves for this time of year...where you want to wear an extra warm layer over a sweater or long sleeve shirt.  This not only looks super warm but its so adorable and versatile.

Link:
GAP Milk White Vest

UGG Leopard Print Boot

Love UGG's - warm, cute, and comfortable!!  How fun are these pink leopard print UGG's!  Want!

Link:
Ugg Leopard Pink Boot

Toddler Boys:

GAP Parka

This coat looks so warm and it also would look so handsome on any boy.  Love this color...it screams manly or in this case, boy to me.  Would be fun to pair it up with a fun hat too.

Link:
GAP Warmest Parka

Fleece GAP Flannel Trapper Hat

Speaking of a fun hat...this and so many more that is at the GAP right now - are so adorable and yet particle as it looks so warm!

Link:
GAP Flannel Trapper Hat

Cole Haan Air Aqua Boot

This boot looks like it would keep your adventurous boys tootsies warm.  This boot is waterproof and also has Nike Air technology built in...so I am thinking comfortable for those walking treks up and down the sledding hills this winter!

Link:
Cole-Haan Air Aqua Toddler Boot

Happy Winter Shopping! (not really)

If any of you wish for me to post a certain age bracket, just let me know!  I kept it to toddlers as I have a 3 year old, but I always love browsing in the baby and older child sections too.

Love, Stylish Mama


*I am not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned above

5 Fab Friday

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

We both being of Latin Decent have a love for Latin foods.  Here are some dishes we both love and crave often.

Stylish Mama:

1.

Typical Guatemalan Breakfast

Typical Guatemalan breakfast is what my mom made me for Sunday breakfast or even some nites for dinner.

It consists of a fried egg, tortillas (homemade) re-fried black beans, farmers cheese, fresh fruit or plantains, and coffee.  yummy!

2.

Paella

I have had this dish in Spain on the Mediterranean coast and have also made this dish at home...such a delish combo of chicken, sausage, seafood, and rice.  My favorite is the bottom of the rice where its a little crispy from cooking in the pan.


Organized Chica:

3.

Arroz con Gandules

Combination of rice, pigeon peas and pork, flavored with sofrito.  Typical Puerto Rican dish! This dish was served with a simple salad and avocado.  Yum!!!

4.

via source 

Whole fried fish served with green plantains and a simple salad. I know its not a custom to eat a whole fried fish here but this is typical for the coast of Colombia.  We try to make this during the summer months and its so good.  Delicioso!



Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica:

5.

via source

Colombian Empanadas!  We eat these for breakfast, snack, or dinner, you name it.  They are a mixture of potato with chicken or meat seasoned with Latin spices.


Are you hungry yet? We are after writing this post.

Feliz Friday!

Love, Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica - xox

Black Friday! 2 weeks away...

Are you ready for the madness?

Did you make your list? 

Do you know where you are going?

Having worked in the retail world during my earlier years gave me a total new respect and view on the whole Black Friday craziness that happens every year. 

via source

I clearly remember working at Circuit City at the time (yes I know, that was a long time ago since Circuit City  is no longer in business) and preparing for Black Friday.  To be honest, before I worked that day, I really didn't have much of a clue what this crazy day was all about. 

I remember starting my shift really early, like maybe 3am to prepare for the 5am opening.  Don’t quote me on exact times here, we are talking about  years ago.  The store was fully staffed and the warehouse was packed up high with all the merchandise.  Now guess who was the greeter?

“Good morning, welcome to Circuit City!”

YUP! Little 5 foot me had to welcome the crowd while giving away the early bird gift to the first, I think 100 people.  Now we all know what happened cause I’m sure you have been in that crowd trampling inside the store.  Doors opened and the moment I opened my mouth to welcome people I was shoved side to side within the crowd.  Next thing you know, my cart with the early bird gifts was empty!

So please, don’t run over the employees in the entrance, it’s not very nice. I’m just saying.  I was the greeter for the entire day; needless to say, I ended my shift with no voice.  Would I do it again? Heck yea! It was fun.  Being young and working with your friends and being in the whole rush, I loved it. 

Ok sorry, got a little sidetracked, just reminiscing a bit.  So now that I’m the consumer, I like planning ahead and investigating on what sales are truly worth waking up early for or it seems with all the stores now opening on Thanksgiving Day, people really won’t be sleeping at all. 

Fortunately with today's technology and social media, there are dedicated people to keep you updated with the latest sales and flyers as they are "leaked" out to the public so you don't have to do it.  Isn't that such a time saver? There's even a Black Friday App!

Below I have listed the top websites that show you all deals by store: 

• Black Friday
• The Black Friday
• BFads
• Black Friday.fm

If you are interested in buying any APPLE products, the following articles will break down the deals out for you:

• Target, Walmart and Best Buy Offering Black Friday Deals on Apple Products
• Apple Black Friday Deals: iPad Air, iPad mini, iPhone 5s at Target
• Black Friday 2013: Target offering $100 gift card with purchase of Apple iPad Air

Now, if you're not interested at all on fighting the crowds, driving around for parking, standing in the cold and or waiting for hours, then maybe online shopping is for you.  Don't forget that Black Friday deals can also be found online.  Supposedly you can find better online deals on Black Friday then Cyber Monday but you be the judge on that.  

My tips to make this Black Friday be pleasurable if your hitting the stores: 

• Check out the flyers to see what items you want
• Compare prices
• Make a list
• Split up and conquer - have a stragedy
• Do not go alone, so much more fun when you are waiting in line with friends or family
• Dress accordingly to the weather and comfortable
• Keep hydrated and fueled
• Be realistic, you may not end up buying what you wanted on your list 
• If you aren't looking for an item in particular, miss the rush and go in the afternoon (most people are sleeping by then) 
• Have fun!

Are any of you planning to shop that day? Share with us how you plan to attack the biggest retail day out of the year, leave comments below.

Happy Black Friday planning!

Organized Chica - xox

My new favorite Tapa!

If you don't know by now...or haven't learned by now through reading my posts, I LOVE FOOD!
I love all there is about food.  I love eating it, making it, and sharing it.

I was recently asked by my cousin to help out with a catering event for his company.  And the best part about it was that I could cook with my dad who has been a chef for 40+ years.  He is now retired, but still loves to get in the kitchen and cook for events or friends when at all possible.

We had a blast!
I was able to contribute to the menu with ideas.
So when I found out we were going with a Mediterranean theme I knew I wanted to try  this Spanish tapas I have been wanting to make forever.

I found the recipe and this one so happens to be by my favorite girl...Martha!
And wait till you get a hold of the name...
Devils-on-Horseback

Ok now that we are over the fact that its named such a silly crazy name...
you must try this for all your friends and family!

A little birdie told me once that everything tastes better with bacon.
And boy where they right!

These dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped up in bacon was the big hit of the nite.
And mind you, so simple to make!!!

Hope you give this new favorite tapas a try for your guests this fall season.

And for those of you who will be dining on these when you come to my home, try and act like you are wowed and amazed by it...even though you see how easy it is to make them.

Happy Cooking!

Love, Stylish Mama

Follow us on Pinterest

Is there such thing as Pinterest Anonymous? Seriously, when I say I'm a HUGE pinner, I am not exaggerating.  To me, pinning is so relaxing.  I love finding fresh ideas on so many different subjects that interest me.  My boards keep growing as I find new pins.  I really don't like paper, so to keep what inspires me in an virtual organized fashion, I'm in!

Welcome to one of my happy places...PINTEREST!

Let me explain to you why Pinterest is so much fun and popular. 

You can use Pinterest for so many things AND it's super duper easy.  Here are a few ideas you would use it for:

• Wishlists
• Bucket lists
• Projects
• Events
• Home Décor
• Recipes
• Organization
• Etc….

Think about it this way, before you would use a cork board, and cut out all those images from magazines that inspired you and pin them up. (Some still use them) Well Pinterest is the same concept but done virtually.  Instead of limiting yourself to one or two cork boards (I still have one), as you would at home because of lack of space, you can create as many virtual boards as your little heart desires.  ISN'T’ IT GREAT!! 

I love Pinterest for many many many many many, ok, ok....I think you get my point, reasons.  I will just sum it up by saying, its my one catch-all place for my projects and inspirations.  I use Pinterest for mostly anything you can imagine, from my house projects, to make-up, to my photography, to the blog.  You name it, I did my research on....you guessed it! PINTEREST!!!!  

If you have noticed, when your cursor is over our images on our blog, the Pinterest icon shows up in the middle of the image.  (Just like the image below as an example)  This allows you to click on the Pinterest icon (the big white P) and "pin" this image onto your personal Pinterest account.  It automatically copies the URL address to the image.  This allows for anyone that clicks on the "pin" from your Pinterest account to be sent directly to the image source, in this case, directly to our blog.  We invite you to feel free to "pin" our images to your Pinterest account and share with others what may inspire you.

You can follow our Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica Pinterest account here.

Or follow our Stylish Mama personal account here.

Lastly, follow Organized Chica personal account here. 

I highly suggest you open your Pinterest account today and start pinning away.  It will get your creative juices flowing.

Happy pinning!

Organized Chica - xox