Monthly Archives: September 2016

Guest Post: Soft Surroundings Opening Event by Cassie LaMere

28 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Fashion, Holidays, Shopping

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Although temps outside may not scream hot cocoa, inevitably the months will sneak up on us and before you know it, you’ll be decorating your tree and wrapping the presents to go underneath. With the official start of fall now behind us, it’s time to begin thinking about holiday shopping lists to get those perfect gifts ready ahead of the eventful season! Now more than ever, busy schedules are the norm; we are all doing our best to find balance, which includes seeking ways to make more efficient use of what little time we have day-to-day. That’s why I love when I can find a thoughtfully curated shop that allows me to pick up a variety of items- only one parking spot and checkout transaction required.

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Editor’s Note:  Follow our guest blogger Cassie LaMere on Instagram @BonjourAmi for all kinds of inspirational Fashion & Event Planning goodness.

Imagine my delight to discover that dream destination exists in the new Arboretum boutique, Soft Surroundings! They’re new location, the first in Austin, truly is an ideal store for the multi-tasker in all of us. While browsing their items, I was excited to find pieces that would easily appeal to several of the very important people in my life. Soft Surroundings was created to be a multi-generational shopping experience where you and your mom, sister or daughter could each find something special that speak to your tastes and interests.

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The perfect game-day clutch that can easily go from the cheering section to cocktails.  $98.95

The diverse offerings of this boutique made it easy for me to select unique, personal gift options that I know will be well-received during gift exchanges this holiday season. But let’s be honest: if you’re like me, you can’t help but find something for yourself when out gift shopping for others. True to form, I found a new must-have accessory to add to my collection in between checking names off of my list. Although easy to sometimes forget, Soft Surroundings’ ethos about the importance of treating yourself is a welcomed reminder to pick up a new lipstick or travel-friendly hat in addition to tackling your task list.

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“Claire” packable felt & wool hat:  my personal new favorite item that makes accessorizing while traveling effortless!  $49.95

What’s even better is with the head start, I’ve avoided the stress of making last minute purchases, which always seem to be a compromise, and instead I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy glasses of festive bubbly and time with loves ones! Below are some of my picks that will be sure to bring tidings of comfort and joy:

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A selection of clever & insightful books for 9-to-5 and after 5 o’clock somewhere.  $14.95 — $20.

 

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Fabulous tartan plaid shirtdress perfect for holiday gatherings.  $129.95

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The absolute coziest jacket that you will literally want to live in.  $64.95

 

Life[style]: Sept. ’16 — Back-to-School Goodies for Mom

15 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by in Au Naturale, Beauty, Everyday Joie, Fitness, Life[style], Motherhood, Product Reviews, Shopping

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Now that we’re mid-September and in the shadow of back-to-school everything, I thought I’d share a few goodies that have helped me make the transition.  Now, my little one is only in a half-day preschool program twice a week, so I cannot empathize with the Xena Warrior Mamas who shuttle to/from school 5 days a week, coach/attend practice, and then simultaneously cook dinner/pack lunches for the next day.  I haven’t yet been able to relate to that big back-to-school stress, BUT I can empathize with adjusting to the change of swinging back into a routine…  getting up a bit earlier, meal planning, being more productive, and saying sayonara to the unstructured days of summer.  Here’s my review on a healthy snack option, a drink for my fitness friends, and a nifty refresh pack that comes in handy MacGyver-style no matter where your mom-mobile takes ya.

Crunchies:  This new & tasty line of all-natural, freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks contains just one simple, authentic ingredient:  fresh produce.  Crunchies has developed a snack food that’s not just addictive and delicious but packed with impressive nutrition to boot.  Hello, my new lunchbox go-to!

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Available in both single-serve packs and larger grab-n-go resealable pouches, Crunchies freeze-dried products provide a much-needed respite from junk foods and other processed snacks.  They contain no added sugar and no artificial flavors or coloring and are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, kosher and halal certified.  Crunchies’ product line includes strawberries, mango, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cinnamon apple, strawberry banana, mixed fruit and beets.

Jet Set Kit by Savvy Travelers:  Originally designed for frequent fliers, this handy box o’ beauty & wellness is just as valuable for on-the-go moms.  Savvy Travelers offers a no-rinse line of disposable yet eco-friendly products –Made in Cali– that help keep us feelin’ so fresh & so clean clean.  Their individually wrapped cosmetic wipes are curated for the sophisticated savvy travelista!  savvy-traveler

No Water?  –No Problem!  This line of pre-packaged kits with single-use individually wrapped beauty wipes, such as the “Jet Set Kit” (featured here) contains 4 antiperspirant deodorant wipes, 4 mouth cleansing wipes, 4 cleansing and moisturizing wipes for the face and 4 lens and screen cleaning wipes.  These are a savior in the school pick-up line when you’re stuck in the car but still want freshen up, making all that running around we do more convenient and healthier all around.

CitraGreen Sport:  As we continue to face the new school year head-on, many parents are concerned with keeping illness away, especially with the fall and winter months approaching.  CitraGreen is a way to maintain the essential nutrients and vitamins we need daily just by simply dissolving a tablet in 8 ounces of water.  Now, I’ve reviewed CitraGreen before, but I wanted to be sure and share their gym supplement offering, too!

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Benefits of CitraGreen Sport:

  • Sports recovery offered during and post-exercise with electrolytes POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, PHOSPHOROUS, IRON + 4 more essential minerals.
  • Contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Iron for a healthy immune system.
  • Contains Vitamin E, Manganese and Selenium antioxidants which contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
  • Complete Vitamin B complex (6 B Vitamins) to combat Vitamin B deficiency and boost energy levels – with Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B12 and Iron which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Also contains Vitamin B1.
  • Contains Vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) which, like many Vitamin D foods, fights to combat symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency or low Vitamin D.
  • Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets with organic wheatgrass.
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.