Calling All Triangle-Area Moms: Enter the Mother's Day Makeover Contest

Are you a busy mom in need of a makeover? Do you live in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area? Then have we got a contest for you! I have teamed up with Carolina Parent magazine to give one lucky mom a makeover that includes my stylist services, a new hairstyle, shopping for new clothes and much more! This video was made of the makeover we did last year and you can see how the winner was truly pampered and indulged - something every mom deserves on Mother's Day. So start working on your best essay and get your pics ready to send in to Carolina Parent magazine. The deadline to enter is February 26 and the makeover will be featured in the May issue of Carolina Parent.

Instant Facelift

Good things come in small packages. Like this tiny little capsule that holds the power to transform your face to look younger and more vibrant. Tripeptinon™ ($79) comes in capsule form but don't let the small size fool you. It's power packed with three powerful anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-sagging technologies to give your skin a burst of youthful rejevenation. Simply pop open a capsule and smooth the serum onto your face and neck and bedtime and wake up to younger, more radiant looking skin.

Win It!
We're giving one reader the opportunity to experience Tripeptinon™ for themselves. To enter, leave a comment and tell us your favorite anti-aging product. Don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, January 31, 2010.

Sweets for Your Sweeties

Hey moms, did you realize Valentine's Day is right around the corner? Yes, it'll be here before we know it. The 14th falls on a Sunday this year giving us all weekend long to celebrate with our loved ones. Why not treat your sweeties to something you know they'll love? These adorable (and delicious) cookies from Meli and Angi are baked fresh to order without any preservatives. They come in all shapes and sizes imaginable and can even be personalized, ensuring each child eats only his or her own cookies (well, it was worth a shot). Order up a few hearts, kisses and hugs or even a few animals to show your family a little love.

Warming Trend

With the temperatures barely above freezing in some parts of the states it can be tempting to just curl up with a blanket on the couch. Instead, why not take this time to treat yourself to a little TLC, while warming up too? One of my favorite new discoveries is this wonderful Warming Mineral Mask ($16.50) from the Body Shop. A huge fan of their products, I discovered this curious mask and fell in love!

Just apply the clay mineral mask to your face and it instantly heats up on contact to coax impurities from your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. The active ingredient, Zeolite, heats on contact with water and leaves you feeling warm and cozy. A real treat for your senses, this Warming Mineral Mask not only gets your face clean but warms you up to boot! Now sit back and relax. Ahhh....

Give Your Skin the Silver Treatment

Turning back the hands of time can prove a challenge once we hit a certain age. Cor Silver Wrinkle Serum ($120) can help to restore the complexion you once had – or create one that’s even better. With the added benefit of patented nano-silver with silica, Cor Silver Wrinkle Serum can help to imitate your skin’s natural rejuvenation process, stimulating renewal and natural exfoliation of the skin’s surface, without the use of harsh ingredients. It can also help to renew the skin’s outer layer, as well as make it noticeably thicker, which creates an improved appearance of the skin and has the added benefits of protecting itself against the harmful elements of the environment. So try Cor Silver Wrinkle Serum and see a more taut complexion after just a few minutes!

Curl Up with a Good Nook

Ever wish you could have a book just appear at the touch of your fingertips? Well now you can. The Nook is a wireless eBook reader that allows you to download more than a million book titles in mere moments, making it perfect to take along when traveling or just sitting in the carpool lane. To make the Nook more hip (as if it needed any help), you can purchase a chic carrying case designed by the likes of Kate Spade, Jack Spade and Jonathan Adler. Feeling wistful for a real book? Think about how many trees will be saved by the Nook and you might just find that reading your morning paper electronically isn’t so bad after all! Find the Nook for $259 at Barnes and Noble.

Have Your Cookies and Eat Them Too

So the 15th of the month has come and gone. Have you broken your new year's resolution to lose 10 pounds yet? Statistics say that most of us broke our resolutions on January 15th and the fact that it was Friday doesn't help. If you started out the year with a strong resolve to lose weight or just cut back on what you're eating, it may not have taken you long to get very, very bored. After the steady stream of treats that come over the holidays, many diets leave us with little to look forward to and leave us feeling deprived.

Fortunately, there are diets like the Hollywood Cookie Diet that give you sweet treats to tempt yourself with while helping you to shed pounds. Just eat a cookie twice a day in place of meals, a sensible dinner and a few snacks (outlined in the program) and you'll be on your way to shedding inches and pounds. But if the idea of a cookie for lunch doesn't thrill you, then why not swap a Hollywood Diet Cookie in place of a higher-calorie snack and let it help you indulge without all the guilt.

I sampled these delicious cookies and have to tell you that I would choose this over a high fat snack because the taste is great (they remind me of Grandma's brand chocolate chip cookies) and they have only 4 grams of fat per serving. Plus, busy moms can carry them in their purse or diaper bag so they always have a healthy snack that won't sabotage their weight loss goals. Available in chocolate chip, lemon and oatmeal. Find them at Hollywood Cookie Diet or at your local drugstore or superstore. Go ahead - have your cookie and eat it too!

What Have You Done for YOU Lately?

Now that the holidays are over it's time to take a breather. We've all been so busy doing everything for everyone else that we may have neglected ourselves. Well, ladies, it's time for a little TLC!

As women, we are often the caregivers for our family and we work hard to take care of those we love. Yet when we are constantly caring for others our tank becomes empty and our batteries need to be recharged. Taking time out to take care of ourselves can help us refill our tanks so that we have more to give. When we’re replenished we’re happier, more relaxed and able to take on life with a more positive attitude. Plus when we boost our image we boost our self confidence!

But where to start? If it's been so long since you've taken time out just for yourself you don't even know where to begin, here are a few suggestions to get you started. But don’t just stick to my list, take these and run wild!

1. Have your makeup updated for the new season - try new colors, techniques and products. Choose an afternoon where you have time to relax and indulge yourself so you're not feeling rushed and ask for the works. Take note of application techniques and ask questions. Then buy only those products you know you’ll really use.

2. Reassess your lingerie – do you still have bras from ten years ago? Ditch ‘em and take yourself for a bra fitting. Most lingerie boutiques and many department stores have knowledgable sales people who can help and make recommendations just for you. But don’t stop with bras. Take stock of your panties and give shapewear a try. Along with another year come new bumps and bulges. Shapewear can help smooth these out and have you looking slimmer and trimmer than ever!

3. Have a fit – do you have pants that drag the ground? Skirts that graze mid-calf? Jackets that are just enough too long that they make you look shorter? Then go through your closet and have those items that need alterations taken to the tailor. It’s amazing what alterations can do to boost your image and help your clothes fit like a glove.

4. Adorn Yourself – are you afraid of wearing accessories or don’t know where to start? Well it’s time you became in the know! Jewelry, scarves, handbags, hats and shoes are the quickest (and most fun!) way to update your look and create a polished image. Start small and create a “signature” item: if you find you really love bracelets then start a collection and wear several at once. If you love handcrafted earrings then build your outfits around them. You’ll create your own unique style in the process.

5. Don’t Lose Weight – yes, you read that right! No matter what your weight, you’re beautiful right now! What, you can’t see it because you’re hiding behind that muu muu? Well it’s high time you packed those baggy sacks away and put on clothes that show YOU off. Focus on your best assets (your eyes, your legs, your hair, your smile!) and the rest will just melt into the background. Don’t forget accessories, but most importantly, wear your confidence - you are gorgeous! Don’t be surprised if you get asked, “have you lost weight?’ Simply smile and relish the attention!

6. Make a date with yourself – when’s the last time you put YOU on your schedule or your to-do list? I want you to schedule some time just for you this week. On your calendar, in pen. It could be an afternoon of shopping or just browsing, a trip to the spa, or just some time spent at the bookstore looking through magazines. My point is that you don’t have to spend any money but you do need to take some time.

7. Start a style journal – write down ideas for outfits, paste in pictures of things you think are very YOU, record any drawings of details or accessories you’d like to look for. Take some time to think about your personal style and reflect on how it’s changed over the years. What common elements do you see? Do you feel your style needs an update? If so, what could you quickly and easily change that would give you a boost?

8. Pretend you’re a tourist – dress up and wear your nicest dress, your best black pants or that expensive blouse out on a lunch date with your girlfriend or your man. You don’t have to be in New York or Paris to dress like it! Wear things in a way you wouldn’t normally in your home town. Book a reservation at that little bistro you’ve been wanting to try. Sip champagne. Take the rest of the day off for sightseeing and shopping. Stop for tea and a pastry. Take pictures and see things in a new way. You’ll go home refreshed and appreciate being right where you are.

9. Have spa party – invite your girlfriends over or just powwow with your daughter. Have a special snack and do nails, tweeze brows, brush hair, play with makeup and give massages. It’s a nice “girls’ night in” and a great way to catch up on some personal grooming.

10. Play with color – if you have a closet filled with black, try experimenting with color. Wear your best colors around your face and see what kind of effect they have on your appearance and your attitude. Have your colors done so you can know for certain which blue is your very best and find the right yellow for YOU.

Editor's Note: Image courtesy of BrownsGallery.co.uk.

Snuggle Up and Save

Now that the holidays are over and January is in full swing, the temperatures have begun dipping into the lower digits here. To save money and the planet, I often find myself reaching for another layer to keep me warm (instead of cranking the heat up). Nothing makes me feel more cozy that wrapping up in a snuggly sweater and sipping a steaming mug of coffee, tea or hot cocoa (with marshmallows, please). If you're in need of a lovely new layer to keep you looking chic and staying warm, check out these verstile styles from Arden B. They're easy to wear - just throw one on over jeans and a tee, a dress, or even sweats, and you'll look instantly pulled together while thwarting the chilly temps. These are all affordably priced, but today ONLY you can save %25 on all regular priced items at Arden B. So go ahead and wrap yourself in cozy comfort while saving money to boot!

Affordable Designer Diaper Tote

Sure, toting diapers when you have a little one is just a way of life, yet carrying a frumpy diaper bag doesn't have to be. With so many stylish options these days moms can surely find a diaper tote that suits their own personal style. That's why I just love the new Signature Diaper bag from Tiny Tillia. It's a multifunctional bag made to fit the needs of both mom and baby. This durable tote offers plenty of pockets to stash diapers, wipes, rash cream, pacis, snacks and more. It includes an insulated bottle holder and a foldable changing pad, as well as a removable drawstring bag that makes for an easy trip to the changing station. The Tiny Tillia Signature Diaper bag has adjustable stroller straps, but the best part about this stylish bag, designed by Tiffany Lerman (daughter of Jackie Collins) is the matching wristlet made for on-the-go moms to hold lipstick, perfume and more. With a price tag of just $59.99, moms can tote diapers affordably and look chic too.

Win It
We're giving one winner a Tiny Tillia Signature Diaper Bag in their choice of the Tulip Print or Black. To enter leave a comment with your email address and tell us what you love about this one - is it the chic look? the multitude of pockets? or something else? The deadline is Midnight, EST January 17, 2010.

Meet Jen Lovelady!

You may remember that back in early November I had the amazing opportunity to attend Ali Brown's Shine event. One of my favorite things about that event is the incredible women I got to meet from all over the country. One of these women is the lovely Jen Lovelady. I was lucky enough to have Jen as my roommate. She is truly inspiring - I mean, this woman has 4 kids and also a thriving business. She runs a fabulous accountability program for moms called Joy it Up! and is getting ready to release her tried and true potty training methods (I'll be sure and fill you in). This woman does it all, and does it with such an amazing and loving attitude. She clearly has a husband who loves her (he tucks little gifts into her suitcase when she travels - how sweet!) and a family that is filled with joy.

I caught up with this busy woman to find out how she manages to look so fabulous while running a business and taking care of her family. Here's what she had to say:

1. As a busy mom of 4, how do you find time to find time to take care of yourself?
It is hard, but I get cranky if I don’t time for myself. Sometimes I actually have to get a babysitter and schedule everything on the same day. Other times I am forced to make time because I grow a uni-brow and my roots are so bad…then I know I am waaaaay overdue! With 4 kids I often send the older kids off to school then do a kid-swap with someone else for 2 hours. It saves money and I know I am getting some time for myself.

2. What does your morning routine look like?
It is a very short routine. I have 4 kids to get ready and out the door for school, so about 20 minutes is what I can count on. I always make sure my hair is washed the night before WITH product in it before I go to bed, then in the morning I decide if it’s a ponytail day, a curly day, or a flat iron day. I put my illuminator moisturizer on, followed with bronzer, highlighter for a few areas, add some lip balm, and I curl the ol’ eye lashes and add mascara. Very natural.

3. What’s your can’t-live-without beauty product?
That is easy! I can’t live without lip balm and face illuminating moisturizer. I crave moist soft lips all day long. I seriously have lip balm or Vaseline in every room, in every car etc…I never leave home without it! But I also can’t live without my moisturizer that has illuminator in it. It makes my face feel sparkly and healthy even when I don’t feel sparkly.

4. What’s your best-kept beauty/style secret?
Ha…you really want me to give it away? Ok, but only to all the One Chic Mama ladies. I use a clear eyebrow gel (it comes in a tube with a mascara wand and it is used to tame wild eyebrows) for taming all my crazy wild hairs in my part on my head. It seriously works! The wand goes right down into my part and follows down the hair shaft taming all those broken crazy single hairs. You can find it for just $7 at the drugstores.

Sorry, I just had to give you two secrets! My other one is the kitchen SOS scrubber. I LOVE them. I keep them in the shower - but rather than using them on the walls in the shower I use them for my body. I am not kidding! I never buy body-scrubs in a bottle because my SOS does the magic and keeps my skin super-duper soft.

5. Do you have a foolproof outfit that makes you look fabulous and feel confident? Tell me about it.
I believe you should always play up your best asset. For some it is their waist, their bust line, legs, collar bones, their shoulder - everyone has their favorite part. My legs are my better asset. Not necessarily the top half, but the bottom part! So I LOVE wearing any dress, or skirt that shows my legs. Is that wrong? I am just being honest. I am not much for showing cleavage and I don’t care for my upper arms so I cover those areas. If I wear a short skirt, a t-shirt and Uggs I feel great! If I wear a short nice black skirt and baby sweater, I feel great. I also LOVE color on the top!

6. What’s your best advice to other moms to stay motivated to look great?
Gosh I could write a book on this! Nothing good comes from neglecting YOU. Everything falls off a cliff when I am not feeling and looking good. If I don’t look good then I don’t want sex, I don’t want to be in pictures, I hate walking into my closet and picking out yet another pair of sweats, and I eat lousy when I don’t look good. I could go on and on as to why I have to stay motivated. The bottom line, you HAVE to put appointments into your calendar and block out time that is designated for YOU.

7. What did you learn about beauty and fashion from your mom, and what do you hope to teach your daughter?
My entire life I was raised on a 3,000 acre wheat farm with my sisters so fashion really wasn’t a high priority. My mom taught me how to embrace simplicity and how my personality is what makes people take a second look, not my looks. She is a really caring woman and raised all three of us girls to be who we are and dress how we prefer. I have been teaching my 4 kids the same.

8. Anything else you’d like to tell me?
Embrace your inner beauty and the outside will catch up to the magic on the inside.

Thanks, Jen. These are all great tips and it's apparent that you really practice what you preach.

Read more from Jen at JenLovelady.com.

Top Ten Tips for Getting Fit in 2010

As usual, you've made a new year's resolution to lost those last 10 pounds. But already you're hovering near an all-time high weight and just can't seem to stop eating. While losing weight can seem challenging, it doesn't have to be. Here are my top ten tips to help you get into shape and have a little fun in the process:

1/ Love yourself - First of all, take a good hard look at why you want to lose weight. Is it because your MIL mentions how quickly she got back in shape after her third child? Ideally you want to lose weight because you'll feel proud of how you look but the best reason is to be healthy. Do it for yourself, because you want to be around to enjoy your kids. And because doing it for someone else just won't work.

2/ Take it one day at a time - Start each day with a fresh perspective and a positive attitude. Resolve to stick to your plan today, with your long-term goal in mind. Little steps add up to create big results, and that thought alone can be very powerful.

3/ Find a well-balanced program that you can stick to - if you're a junk food junkie, going cold-turkey will only turn you into a big grump. Find a program that incorporates some of your favorite foods and you'll find yourself embracing it rather than resenting it. A bonus: you get to have your cake and eat it too, but without the guilt.

4/ Make exercise a family affair - we set the example for our kids, so when they see us exercising they'll want to, too. Make them a part of your at-home yoga routine, your brisk walk around the block (they can ride in the stroller, or on a trike, bike or scooter to keep up) or take the whole family out for an outing on the ski slopes. You'll burn calories, build muscle and have some quality family time in the process.

5/ Do something active every day - it's what we do every day that counts, so instead of thinking big workouts 2 or 3 times a week that can easily be procrastinated or get lost in our busy schedules, take time out each day for a quick 20 minute walk, a half hour of yoga or even a wild and crazy dance party with the kids to burn calories and have fun. Bonus: the kids will burn off some energy and sleep better, too.

6/ Eat whole grains - sure, it sounds easy, but in reality we may find ourselves eating far too many "white bread" products. Whole grains pack fiber, which fills us up and keeps us regular, and can result in us eating less. Stock up on whole grain bread, whole wheat tortillas and brown rice. Your kids will get used to it and so will you!

7/ Switch to low-fat dairy - if you haven't already made the switch, opt for low-fat or skim milk, skip the half and half in your coffee and buy fat-free yogurt. There are many great, healthy butter alternatives (try Earth Balance spread). Low-fat cheese can be a healthy snack or part of a meal.

8/ Incorporate more fruit and veggies - sure, you hear it all the time, but do you really do it? We should each be eating 5 - 9 servings of fruit and veggies a day, and many of us don't even get half that. Try swapping out one snack a day for a piece of fruit or some raw veggies.

9/ Soup is good food - what better time of year to eat more soup than the cold winter months? Starting your meals with clear (or non-cream based), low-calorie and veggied-packed soups is a great way to fill you up with very few calories, and nourish your body and soul. If you need some good recipes, this cookbook is chock full of delicious options and will keep you entertained to boot!

10/ Make it fun - the last thing we need to add to our lives is something that sucks all the joy out of our days. Whatever your new plan, make it fun! Cut fruit into fun shapes you and the kids can enjoy. Try a new low-fat dip with baby carrots and celery for a snack or pre-dinner munchies. Experiment with spices, garnishes and anything that creates visual appeal. You'll feel pampered rather than deprived and will be inspired to stick with it.

Cheers to your fitness!

Flat-Iron Your Hair in a Flash!

Moms with long hair – take note. If you have avoided using a flat iron because you thought it took too long, think again. The Presto from H2pro ($180) is a 1-inch flat iron that features turbo power technology to give you sleek, smooth hair in a flash. With a turbo trigger to seal in moisture while cutting down on style time, the Presto may very well have you looking like Jennifer Aniston in no time flat! To purchase send an email to info@h2proshop.com or call 1-800-896-7728.

One Chic Mama in the News

Today in our local newspaper there was a wonderful article about refreshing your style. I was interviewed for the article and shared a little bit about how I work with my clients to help bring out their very own personal style. Style is not about dressing like your best friend or wearing a look straight off the runway, but it is about showing the world who you are. Before a person can open their mouth to speak their image has already spoken volumes about who they are (and who they THINK they are, which are not always the same thing). Take a peek at the article, Take Stock of Your Style, in today's News and Observer and let me know what you think your style says about you!

Editor's note: If you're in Charlotte, NC, look for the article to appear in Thursday's issue of the Charlotte Observer.

Fitness Wear that Doubles as Jewelry

It's already the fourth day of January and you haven't once made it to the gym. Forget the guilt over broken new year's resolutions - it's time to get creative with your workout methods. Banglz Wrist Weights are half-pound weights disguised as bracelets. These clever bangles help to maximize muscle tone while burning calories, all while looking chic. Wear them while you clean the house, walk the dog, do the laundry and turn everyday activities into a weight-bearing workout. You'll wave bye-bye to upper arm jiggle in time for summer! Buy a set of Banglz Wrist Weights for $24.95. Optional covers are available for $16 for 2 sets of print.

Win It!
We're giving one winner a pair of Banglz Wrist Weights. To enter just leave a comment below and tell us your biggest workout challenge. Don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, January 9, 2010.

At Home Beauty

Winter weather can really take a toll on skin, leaving it with dry patches, pallid areas and fine lines that turn into full-fledged wrinkles. It’s time for some serious TLC! While you may not have the time or budget for a salon facial, a do-it-yourself version can leave you with wonderful results while costing just pennies. First, begin with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser, then tone using gentle, alcohol-free toner (or witch hazel). Then proceed:

Step 1/ Exfoliate: Dead cells can make skin look dull and patchy. Brighten your complexion by mixing ½ cup dry oatmeal, 3 T almond oil, 1 T finely ground sea and 1/4 teaspoon fresh mint with enough warm water to form a paste. Dampen your skin, then use gentle circular movements to apply the paste, avoiding the eye area. Rinse.

Step 2/ Steam: Steaming opens pores and primes skin for deep cleaning. In a large pot, boil 1 quart of distilled water. Next, infuse the water by wrapping fragrant herbs of your choice (chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender) in cheesecloth, lowering the heat, and placing the cloth in the pot for five minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and set it on a protected surface. Apply a light layer of almond or sesame oil to the face (to protect your skin from heat), then lean over the pot, tenting a clean towel over your head to catch the steam. Steam for five minutes; pat dry.

Step 3/ Mask: Masks help to deep-clean, stimulate circulation, remove dead skin as well as hydrate skin. To hydrate dry skin, use a mix of 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon honey and a few drops of safflower oil. Apply to skin and let dry. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.

Step 4/ Massage: To soothe the skin in the last phase of the facial, massage a moisturizer into the skin. Put a generous amount on your hands and work them together to warm up the cream. Concentrate on areas where muscles are overworked: cheeks, mouth, forehead and around the eyes. Once the lotion is completely absorbed, blot off any excess with a tissue. Now enjoy your fresh-faced complexion!