5 Favorite Things

October 9, 2015

Stylish Mama:

Laura Geller Baked Gelato Vivid Swirl Blush

I have always loved Laura Geller's makeup  She continues to amaze me with the colors and palettes she chooses for her line.  I just bought this blush in the color Plumberry and its the perfect fall/winter shade.

Fig and Goat Cheese
Such a simple combo.  However, the tastes I promise will surprise you.  You can now find fig jam in most grocery stores, I have found it at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and even Market Basket.  It's wonderful on a plain goat cheese, it can even be served poured over a log of goat cheese with crackers or bread on the side.  This is my go to quick appetizer in the fall/winter.


H&M little girls sequined jumpsuit
How sweet is this little girls sequined jumpsuit from H&M?  I am so sad I do not have a H&M near me as I would totally buy this for an event we are going to this weekend.  I love how fun it is!!  I might just have to order it for my daughter to keep in her closet just in case we have another event to go to.  It runs from sizes 1 and 1/2 to 10 years old. And it's a steal!  It's priced under $15!!!



Organized Mama:

OXO Containers

I was looking for a way to maximize and store all my dry foods in my pantry when I did my kitchen remodel.  After extensive online research, these containers were highly recommended so I purchased them.  I love the way they are seal tight and keep my dry foods fresh.


Binz Organizers and Trays
When I was organizing my pantry, I was looking for a way to keep food items organized.  I found these bins at Home Goods and they worked.  Once I post about my kitchen, I will share with you how I used these in my pantry.  They are very versatile because they can also be used in the refrigerator.


Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xo


5 Favorite Things

October 2, 2015

Stylish Mama:


Redken Pillow Proof Blowdry Express Primer
Any of you feel like you spend way too much time behind the blowdryer?  I sure do.  When I went into see my awesome hair stylist last week she used this product before blow drying my hair.  She said she loves using it on her clients who have thicker hair, as it really does cut down the time you spend to blow dry. It also acts as a hair protector against heat up to 450 degrees.  I love it, and now use it at home.


The Loft Striped Tie Neck Blouse

One of my favorite looks is a fall trend this year!!  I am loving that tied neck blouses are making a come back.  I personally have loved this style for years...but to know it's in right now means I can shop for this look at many places.  I love the striped one show above for a work look, but have also seen other styles at Express, and New York and Co that can be worn more casually.


Organized Chica:


Beauty Blender
Hands down ladies! Favorite makeup tool that I own.  When this first came out, the beauty world went crazy but I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. So happy I finally gave in.  I love how easy it is to apply foundation on my face and how natural it looks.  HIGHLY recommend it. 



Java Linea Leaning Bookcase
I've had my eye on this furniture piece for the longest time and I'm so happy I finally bought it.  I will share pictures on how I'm using this piece in my living room because I love how stylish and functional it is. 




Graphite Oskar Boxes
Although these boxes are made of recycled material, they are very sturdy. I was looking for a stylish way of concealing a few collectibles and found these cuties.  They stack beautifully to give you the visual height that sometimes you need on a shelf or a table.   





Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xo


5 Favorite Things

September 25, 2015

How about we bring back an oldie but goodie...5 Favorite Things Friday!?!

Here are a few of our favorite things this week:

Stylish Mama:
NYX Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner
While I was in the store Ulta the other week shopping for makeup, I overheard a a customer telling the girl behind the counter how much she loves this product.  And so it got me wondering if I should try it myself...I went back into the store to buy it.  And I too can say - it's awesome!  It's less than $15 and it is so easy to use...so much easier using liquid or having to sharpen a pencil liner.  Try it, you will love it!

Starbucks PSL
Ok although I am sad about summer leaving, there is something to be said about fall in New England...and of course Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!  I unlike others cannot order this indulgent drink until it is actually fall.  Now that we are in officially fall season, I will be treating myself to one today!

Bath and Body Works Autumn 3-Wick Candle
This candle is fall in jar!!  It is described as smelling like apple, cedar-wood, and green balsam. And I would describe it as walking outside on a cool summer evening...just brilliant and I love using it.  Bath and Body came out many new seasonal scents, but this one is truly inviting and warm.,.perfect for this season!



Organized Chica:

Malta Latern - Silver Finish
When I walked into my local Pottery Barn store and saw these beauties, it was love at first site. "I'll take one of each size please"... I wish!  I feel these lanterns are a beautiful way of displaying your candles and a perfect touch to your home decor.  




Apple Cider Donuts

I can only say one thing, "YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!








Happy Fall Ya'll!

Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xox

Beauty Counter Everyday Shampoo

September 11, 2015

Ok ladies, it's usually my partner in crimes job to do a post on beauty and cosmetics.  However I am taking this post and running with it...as I fell in love with the product I have been trying.  And I wanted to share it with all of you.

If you read my last post on Beauty Counter and their line...you will know that I have been trying their shampoo called Clean Everyday Shampoo .  I have been using it everyday for the past two weeks...I have been loving it!!



My hair has never felt and looked this healthy!!!

The things I am loving about this product are:
  • Smells Delicious!  It has a clean citrus smell...but not over powering.
  • It has antioxidants -  made with rooibos leaf extract and marula oil
  • My hair was left feeling smooth, shiny.
  • It lathers really well!!!  I am one who needs a lot of lather in order to think it is working well

I would say this product is definitely worth trying, especially if you are tired of looking for something new that is actually good for your hair!

And...the most exciting news is that for this month Christina From Beauty Counter will be offering a chance to enter a giveaway!  The giveaway is for a chance to win a Beauty Counter Sun Stick and the giveaway is only open to our readers.  In order to enter the giveaway you must make a purchase during the month of September, using her link which I will post below.*

It's really easy to order, Just visit her web site www.beautycounter.com/christinagordon  and click on "September Giveaway"  when you are ready to order.


I was told that this product is so popular that it was actually sold out within two hours this summer. Do you use sunscreen all year round?  Technically we all should!  And this product is safely made so anyone in your family can use it, even kids.  Love that!
Please visit her site and click on the link  www.beautycounter.com/christinagordon  and check out all the products and the benefits of using products that are not loaded with lots of chemicals.

Best to all who make a purchase and have a chance to enter to win!!

Love, Stylish Mama

*Must make a purchase to be entered to win the beauty counter sun stick
*Only one reader will be chosen by Christina from Beauty Counter to win the sun stick.
*Giveaway will be done via link in our blog post, not by Stylish Mama meets Organized Chica






Beauty Counter Cosmetics

September 1, 2015

I have recently fallen in love with a new beauty product line!!!  Have you all heard of Beauty Counter Cosmetics?  Well if you say no, don't feel bad....I never had before last month.

I was at a local event when I walked by a table full of beautiful makeup and skin/hair products...and I had to learn more about the line that was packaged so nicely.

When I heard that their line uses ingredients that have been though a safe screening process and they actually have a list of all their ingredients and what they are listed on their site.  I was intrigued.  I also was given a list of all ingredients that are in most well known products...and then found out that in Europe those ingredients are banned due to not being safe!  yikes!  Eye opener!!!

It's crazy to think that we women often will spend a lot of money on our clothing, jewelry, hand bags, food...but what about what we put on our skin?  What about what we use in our hair?

I have teamed up this month with a Beauty Counter Cosmetic consultant named Christina that I met last month and she is super nice! I will let you hear form her what she loves most about the products she both uses and sells.

Meet Christina:




Beautycounter was founded with a mission to educate families about the need for safer chemicals and products and work to bring about much needed change to the business industry - and to our lives. Most people assume that the products we see on store shelves must be safe in order to be on the market. However, it has been 75 years since the federal government passed a law regulating the ingredients used in skin care products and makeup, and companies can use almost any ingredient they want, even those that we know are harmful to health.

Beautycounter's ingredient selection process begins by eliminating the over 1400 chemical that are banned in the European Union and the 11 that are banned in the U.S.  In addition, Beautycounter has created its own  "Never List" which includes a long list of  chemicals that are linked to cancer, reproductive harm and cell damage. These chemicals are commonly used, and you will find them in the large majority of personal care products sold in the U.S. Our products are formulated without Parabens, Phthalates,Synthetic Fragrances, PEGS, SLS, or secrets. Every ingredient is selected for safety and effectiveness. 


Beautycounter was founded just over 2 years ago and has grown over 500%.  We have created many cosmetic lines including our Essential line, Countertime (Anti-aging line), Body and hair line, kids line and makeup line. 

One of my favorite products is the Clean Everyday Shampoo. It is a Beautycounter bestseller and for good reason! It is gentle enough for everyday use and is rich in antioxidants, proteins and fruit seed oils. Unlike some other shampoos, it lathers up nicely and breaks down buildup. It can be used on any type of hair, is sulfate free and leaves my very fine, colored hair feeling shinier and fuller.



Oh and a few of my other favorite products......Lustro face oil #3, Tint Skin, Protect all over sunscreen,  Everyday Body Wash, Color Pinch Cream Blusher and Touchup Skin Concealer Pen....Really I love them all though!

Beautycounter is sold via e-commerce, partnerships with J-Crew and Goop and direct sales consultants. To learn more about our products or to order, please visit www.beautycounter.com/christinagordon.  I can also be reached directly atchristina.anne.gordon@gmail.com with any questions about the products!  

And as an added bonus, celebrities and the press are loving Beautycounter too!… Mandy Moore, Reese Witherspoon,  Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, and Emmy Rossum, just to name a few… and Beautycounter has been featured in InStyle Magazine, the New York Times, Daily Candy, MSNBC News, Allure, Lucky, People  and more!

I am actually testing out the Clean Everyday Shampoo this week and will give you all an update as to what my thoughts are on the product and if I think the product is worth investing in...yes...I said investing.  But again, aren't we worth an investment?!?  There is a reason celebrities are always looking so good and youthful...they are smart about what products they use on their skin and their hair. Keep reading our blog posts as Christina also mentioned she will offer a special just for our readers!!!!!
Love that!

Love,  Stylish Mama 

Making your home cozy in the fall...

August 17, 2015

I know...how dare we talk about fall and cooler weather when we should be still soaking in every moment of summer and sunshine!

But like everything else - we know that all good things must come to an end.

I do love how pretty the fall can be especially in New England...and what usually helps me transition to the cooler weather is the idea of decorating my home in beautiful warm fall colors.

Here are a few things I am eyeing and loving this fall season -

PB Market Pumpkin Pillow Covers
PB Monogrammable Throw
Pier 1 Hydrangea and Cabbage Wreath
Pier 1 Pumpkin Beverage Dispenser
DIY home fall garden
Pumpkin Buttered Rum Candle
Cozy, right?

However, as for me, I am going to continue to soak up the sun and the hot days here in New England...no matter how excited I am to shop for fall...summer can stay as long as it wants!

Love, Stylish Mama

Providence Restaurant Week, July 2015 - Siena - Smithfield, RI

July 20, 2015

Hello!  Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!  As you can probably tell - we are enjoying ours so much that we haven't blogged much at all.  (Guilty, so guilty!)

Summer being as busy as it is, one highlight we always look forward to is Restaurant Week here in Providence, RI!

This week we visited Siena in Smithfield, RI.
We have both dined at Siena, Providence and it has become a favorite place for us to frequent. So we were excited to check out their sister location.

The menu intrigued us and we also wanted to try a venue that was outside of the city for a change.

Here is the dinner menu for Siena Restaurant Week, July 2015:


  COURSE ONE

Choose One
Caesar Salad
romaine lettuce tossed in a homemade lemon Caesar dressing with Tuscan croutons,
topped with parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Cozze Rosso
Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in slow roasted tomato broth,
finished with extra virgin olive oil & fresh herbs

Insalata Pomodoro di Cimelio
heirloom tomato salad with basil infused olive oil & sea salt,
garnished with a balsamic reduction

Polpette
Anthony's famous meatball made from ground sirloin, veal and pork,
topped with San Marzano marinara, ricotta cheese, parmigiana-reggiano cheese and fresh basil


COURSE TWO

Choose One
Salmon d'Elba
grilled salmon fillet topped with sliced zucchini & grape tomatoes,
sauteéd in chive butter sauce

Pollo al Rosmarino
two semi-boneless chicken breasts marinated in rosemary, garlic and lemon rub,
grilled and oven finished with roasted tomatoes, garlic, butter & white wine

Penne alla Vodka
penne pasta in a spicy (mildly hot) pink vodka sauce topped with parmigiano-reggiano cheese,
available with grilled chicken breast or shrimp

Maiale de Estate
grilled pork loin served over parmigiano-reggiano polenta and topped with tomato jam,
served with cipollini onions and scallions

Rigatoni al Brasato
rigatoni pasta tossed with shredded beef short rib braised with wine, vegetables, tomato, garlic and stock,
topped with parmigiano-reggiano cheese


COURSE THREE

Choose One
Cannoli
traditional Italian cannolis with sweet ricotta filling,
garnished with shaved chocolate
Torta di Fruitta
Short dough tart filled with lemon custard & topped with fresh berries,
served with fresh whipped cream

Torta di  Lucca
chocolate tort served with toasted hazelnuts & cappucino creme anglaise
served with vanilla bean gelato

Gelato
choice of vanilla bean or chocolate hazelnut,
served with a pirouette cookie and whipped cream

$29.95 pp
*Beverages, Tax, and Gratuity are not included*

We both ironically were eyeing the same menu items...so we did what any friends would...order one of each and split! 

Our picks for Course One:

Cozze Rosso
Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in slow roasted tomato broth,
finished with extra virgin olive oil & fresh herbs

Insalata Pomodoro di Cimelio
heirloom tomato salad with basil infused olive oil & sea salt,
garnished with a balsamic reduction



We found the mussels to be very fresh and cooked to perfection. The tomato broth was creamy and did not overpower the taste of the mussels.

The tomato salad was absolutely delicious and tasted just like summer on a dish...however it could have used a little more seasoning.  Ask for fresh ground pepper!

Our Picks for Course Two:

Salmon d'Elba
grilled salmon fillet topped with sliced zucchini & grape tomatoes,
sauteéd in chive butter sauce


Rigatoni al Brasato
rigatoni pasta tossed with shredded beef short rib braised with wine, vegetables, tomato, garlic and stock,
topped with parmigiano-reggiano cheese


The salmon was also fresh and the dish we found to be over all light and classic in style.  We were served polenta with our dish and this was our absolute favorite part even though it was not listed on the actual menu. Hope yours comes with it too! If not ask!

The rigatoni dish was a little more on the heavy side, and the flavor was robust.  If you are hungry order this dish...we ended up not finishing ours even though we split.  




With that being said we took our dessert to go...so much food!  The waitress was kind enough to let us!

Overall the meal was very good but we both agreed the atmosphere was for an older crowd.  We both enjoy Providences atmosphere and will probably visit that location if given the choice.






Love, Stylish Mama and Organized Chica xo

Part 1 Kitchen Reno: Demolition Stage

April 10, 2015

Repeat after me....OLD! OLD KITCHEN! and it's GONE!!

A few weeks ago I posted on Instagram a photo of my kitchen to share with all of you what project I was currently working on.  Here are more photos of the process. We have been waiting for years to actually get our kitchen done and the time is finally here.  We live in a raised ranch and have a very tiny kitchen, unfortunately we couldn't actually afford our dream kitchen but decided that we would make the best of the space we already had within our budget.  Here are images of the demo...



Before







bye-bye cabinets!!!






Bye bye tiles!!!











I'll keep you updated as the project continues.  For the record, while your kitchen is being remodeled, the rest of the house is a chaotic!! 


Happy Organizing!
Organized Chica