Three Haute Mamas

My Philosophy on bulk buying gifts

It's December 24rd, the kids are stepping onto the school bus for the last time before holiday break and you suddenly break into a sweat.  Oops.  Teacher gifts.  School secretary gift.  School nurse gift (I cannot possibly be the only mother who's children are frequent fliers into the school nurse office? Right? Please tell me that's not silence.).  

Or how about the office co-workers? There are 8 of them.  The mail lady? Teenage babysitters? Gym day care workers? 

Gulp. What's a mama to do? Learn from the mama who's been there too many times to count pro. 

My Philosophy on this problem is bulk gift buying.  It's not creative, it's not an original idea, but it gets the job done, and it's a heck of a time saver.  Generally I purchase 10-12 of the same gifts, wrap them up identically, and when trouble beckens, I turn to my pile of bulk gifts.  And if you are one of the aforementioned, this year is different.  I hand selected each gift individually, and yours especially. 

Philosophy-Love, love LOVE their products.  Until 11/30, you can get FREE SHIPPING, with NO MINIMUMS.  Did I get my point across, because let it be known, that deal is just too good to be true. If you shop through Ebates right now, you can get 7% cash back too!   They'll smell good, and you'll look good with all that extra cash hanging out of your purse.  

Peppermint bark holiday ornament-mint candy shampoo, shower gel + bubble bath-At only $6 you get three products already wrapped up in an adorable ornament.   Bulk buy mamas..bulk buy.

Candy Cane foaming bubble bath, lip shine and shower gel-At $12 still proof that you don't need to spend a mint to show you care.

The Gingerbread Girl foaming bubble bath + shower gel-$16-Having consumed no less than 37 of my mothers molasses cookies over Thanksgiving weekend, I'm thinking this bubble bath might be the answer to my prayers.  Utilitarian and calorie free.  May I suggest adding a personal touch?  Perhaps a giant homemade gingerbread man cookie, decorated by the kiddos, attached to the package for bonus-cuteness points?  Oops.  Did someone mention cookies? 

With Gratitude-shampoo, shower gel+bubble bath-not everyone celebrates the holidays, but how are you to know? To avoid any uncomfortable oops! Keep this on hand to show your gratitude in ways that don't shout "We love Santa Claus around here!".  $25

 

Shop in your jammies-it's Cyber Monday!

Happy post-long weekend mamas! What a weekend it was!  I not only celebrated Thanksgiving with a trip up north to see family, but also did my entire Christmas shopping (including the wrapping and returns!), hosted 20 nine year old little girls for a half sleepover (read: they all left, sugared up, at 9 o'clock pm!  Thank you parents of guests!!),got my Christmas card shoot accomplished (to the best of me and my three children's ability), and decorated the whole house with Christmas decor.  Today, I rest.  

However, not everyone braved the Black Friday crowds like I did (scaredy cats!).  According to the National Retail Foundation (NRF) some 106.9 million (insert Dr. Evil voice) people plan to shop online today, Cyber Monday, compared to 96.5 million last year.  That's a lot of laptop yeilding mamas looking for a deal.  And why not? No traffic, no mobs and the kids are in school.  Take advantage of great deals like free shipping, mark downs and of course, one of my favorites, cash back sites like Ebates.  

My theory has always been shop now, enjoy the season.  There are so many wonderful opportunties that come up, holiday parties, shows, kids plays, etc, why stress out about shopping?  Get it done now, and be done with it.  And if you can score yourself a deal, even better.  

An oldie but still funny, from 2005, Mr. Colbert sells Cyber Monday on a different note.  See if you can spot me in the Black Friday mob scene. 

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Cyber Monday
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

 

In the upcoming weeks we will be highlighting some of our favorite gifts to give, how we tackle the hard to give (i.e. teenagers, people you don't know so well, in laws...), and also be spot lighting some women business owners who tell us their secrets of how they do it all.  But for now, start up the engines, err, laptops and hit the sales mamas.  

 

Score at the grocery store! Mascara that's cheap and chic

Mamas! I am tres excited to share with you my score at the grocery store!  You know I love makeup, and as far as mascara goes, Cover Girl mascara is my go to.  Easily accessible, and as soon as I find a clump, I replace it with one of the four I keep on hand.   Can't really afford to that with the Christian DiorShow mascara I had been using previously.  Yesterday I read a makeup tutorial by Kim Kardashian's makeup artist, Joyce, where she swears by L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, and don't you know I was at my local Stop and Shop first thing this morning, mascara in cart on top of the four boxes of Cheerios.  

To spare you the agony of purchase (7.99 to be exact), and dissappointment, I decided to run my own test for you mamas.  The before.  No makeup.  Taking one for the team. :

After applying two coats per eye (on a night out...no holds barred, go big or go home is my rule):

Grocery store score!  L'oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black.  And note to self, Kim just walked in casually tossed in, Oh..I've been buying that mascara for at least twenty years.  

Well I guess the Kim's secret is out....evil laugh...Kim Haute Mama and Kim Kardashian!

Mamas, remember, celebrities get volume and length by using falsies-both extensions and false eyelashes.  That's  they only way to get that wide eyed volume WOW look.  But I've found that wearing falsies to through the carpool lane gets me the wrong kind of WOW look I'm looking for.  For day to day eyelashes, I give the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara a:

 

Bargain shopping with celebrity mamas-Halle Berry style

Celebrities and bargains go hand in hand, right? Like Lindsey Lohan and good behavior.  Not true I say...

 Halle Berry proves celebs can and will rock a good bargain.  Check her out in her $25 straight leg jeans from Divine Right of Denim available at Forever 21

deano/splash news

Two things to take from this-One, denim doesn't have to cost a gazillion dollars.  Two, don't be afraid of Forever 21 if you're over say..21. Ms. Berry is 40.  And forever happy she saved all that money on those jeans.  

Boston locals, spoil those golfers in your life with Ahead golf apparel

Who doesn't know a golfer? Husband? Boyfriend? Brother? Boss? You? Mom? My entire family golfs.  Everyone that is..but me.  Bleh I say.  Send me directly to the 19th hole.  Fortunately I have a little connection that keeps well dressed on and off the course.  My family and friends have also benefitted, and everyone knows, if the hat or shirt doesn't sport the Ahead logo, don't you dare.  

Ask any golfer and they will recognize the Ahead logo.  Found in every major country club, golf shop and PGA/USGA event around the world, Ahead is a leader in golf apparel.  The brand is represented on tour exclusively by one of the worlds best golfers, Retief Goosen and on the ladies tour by Britney Lincicome. 

Blah blah right? Golf schmolf you say.  Ok. Maybe only I say that.  Well starting this Saturday, Ahead, located in New Bedford, MA is starting their annual warehouse sale.  This is a crazy, sick sale that people actually line up for.  Inventory is priced to move and priced rock bottom-make that below rock bottom. The holidays will be here before you know it.  I'm not sure about you, but the men in my life are the hardest people to buy for.  It's usually a toss up between, oh, golf shirt, orrrr,  golf shirt.  Lord knows I'd never purchase say a club, or golf balls-what do I know about either one of those things.  Now clothes..clothes I know.  

In this economy, no one wants to go overboard financially, yet no one wants to skimp on showing appreciation.  Support a local company, and spoil your loved ones rotten.  And ladies, there's something for you and your girlfriends too.  The Kate Lord line has something for everyone on your list, teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, hairstylists, you name it....and while they may shun your home made kitchen goodies, no one turns down  Ahead/Kate Lord goodies.  

Store hours begin Saturday, November 13, and run through Friday, December 24.  For a complete listing visit the Ahead website

 

Groupon + Lands End Canvas= One Haute deal

Deal-a-roozi mamas! 

Visit Groupon.com and subscribe to city, Madison (basically entering your email and a password).  

For only $30, you receive a Groupon for $60 worth of Lands End Canvas clothing, men or women.  Haven't seen Lands End Canvas yet?  Try it now, at 50% off with a Groupon.  This offer will end today, and you may only purchase two.  There is a limited quantity available so act fast and please visit Groupon for the whole fine print.  Now, onto the fun part.... Need help picking out items? That is why we are here mamas....

Hats off Groupon and Lands End Canvas for another great deal of the day

 

 

Look haute without spending a laute, Part 4 Shoes

We all want Carrie Bradshaws closet, but in reality, Carrie didn't have (fill in the blank amount of ) kids, tuition payments, ballet fees, etc.  She did have Louboutins though.. And Choos..sigh....For the rest of us we have Target.  And when children have passed through law school and want to show us gratitude, we will once again, have Louboutins.  And Jimmy Choos..sigh....

Ok.  Where was I going with this? Target.  Yes. Target.  We are going to Target mamas! 

You all read my love affair with my Fryes.  I loved my Fryes.  I still think everyone should own a pair of Fryes, however, if not in your budget, a nice alternative in brown or black and you can wear it with everything.  

So often we think black and brown when it comes to winter footwear, I'm not asking you to go off the deep end, but maybe navy baby? 

How about a moderate heel, and a wedge at that, in a lovely taupe.  Pair with some bold fall colors-think plum, orange-and you'll be seated at the head of the Thankgiving dinner table!

 

Pointy toes and kitten heels are where it's at. 

I don't love flats. I wear them. Don't love them.  So if I do don them, they'd better bring it, and these bring color-a lovely fall mustard-and some ruffles to the party.  Not too shabby.  They'll be on the guest list again. 

Hope you enjoyed our Look haute without spending a laute series.  I'd like to say I didn't spend a laute, but when you buy everything you write about, I guess the point is lost.

 

Look haute without spending a laute, Part 3 Makeup and hair!

Girly girl post here! I could spend hours and hoursssss at Sephora, the beauty counter at Saks, and yes, even the cosmetics aisle at Target! I am a sucker for a product, however, I am also a minimilist and hate having stuff laying around that doesn't produce.  Give me the goods, or you don't deserve space in my makeup drawer, period.  Some of our favorites

Just discovered this line and it's fabulous beyond fabulous.  Also a tad pricey for Target but I wanted to share it. My rule is I won't spend the dough if there isn't someone there to explain it, apply it and package it up all pretty.   Sorry, but that's how I roll.   However, there are some key pieces here that are worth the penny-meet  NP Set by Napoleon Pardis.  Products Galore, sample them out and you be the judge.  My faves:

liquid veil highlighter-imagine rubbing in a little sparkle into your skin.  Well..that's this product, and it's amazing.  I sat in the aisle rubbing...and rubbing..mouth on floor.  I'm still staring at my hand.  Ladies with "laugh lines" beware-this will set into those lines.  This is a highlighter-try the shoulders, decollette, cheekbones, under the brow, etc....Sparkly amazing...

NP Set Pore Perfecting Pre-Foundation Primer  Do you use foundation? Mineral powder? Then you need pre-foundation primer.  This goes on like butter.   Minus the shine.  Or the oily residue.  Or just the whole gross-ness factor.  Oh, and it'll set that makeup for the whole day at the office and a night out. 

Sonia Kashuk Essential Eye Kit with Case-Ladies..IF you purchase eye makeup that comes with those little foam eye applicators please discard it immediately, and either use your fingers (honestly! you'll be amazed!) OR purchase a good brush kit.  This is a good brush kit for the money, and all the basics for the eyes.  

Burts Bees Lip Shimmer- I first read about this here, and good golly Miss Molly, my lips haven't been the same.  A hint of color, shine and also hydrates the lips.  I can't be the only mom who's kids invade their lipgloss stash?.  I can relax a little when it's Burt's Bees, and available right down the street at Target! 

Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Spray-Straightening Iron? Curling Iron? Hot Rollers? Guilty...You're hair needs protection from all that heat, and this bargain spray is just the answer.  Spray it on before you heat, and you'll save yourself the horrors of breakage, split ends and dull color. 

 I have to interject here Kate.....  One of my favorite beauty items I can't live without and when I run out and have no back up.... Panic sets in....  Everyone should own these... 

Almay Hypo- Allergenic eye makeup remover pads! I must warn you though, buy the oil-free ones. I tried the moisturizing ones once and I was blind for a good 20 minutes!! Lol!!  xo Kimberly

Phew..had the moisturing ones IN THE CART..and got home and poof! gone! By the magic vested in small hands (aka my 4 year old), they were tossed.. I will go pack and purchase the proper ones! Thanks for the PSA Kim! 

So there you have it, all dolled up and ready for the final touch, the icing on the cake..shoes! Stay tunes for part four of looking haute without spending a laute-SHOES! 

 

Look haute without spending a laute, Part 2, Accessories chez Target

Ran out of milk and dog food, back to Target honey! 

shh..we're on a secret mission to show you how to accessorize for less at Target! 

First up, everyone's a buzz over Mulberry for Target! The luxe British handbag line has outdone itself with a bargain priced line for Target and I have to say, I am smitten with the oversized purses.  Mamas of little ones, toss those diaper bags and swap them out for the Large Cerise Leopard Satchel.  I myself with no one in diapers still carry a purse the size of carry on luggage, so I would go with the Large Black Pebble Tote.  And as we discussed, cross totes are haute, how about the mini denim crossbody? Mulberry for Target?  Haute Mama approved! 

 

mulberry by threehautemamas on Polyvore.com

 

 

Jewels! I loveee jewelry! If money were no object this mama would be dripping in Cartier and Harry Winston day and night.  However, money is an object, and I still want to drip in jewelry day and night, so I turn to less expensive options.  Enter Temple St.Clair for Target and color me bejeweled. I just left Target and the line is full of rich jewels and golds.  Perfect for the upcoming holidays with price points a little higher than your normal Target lines, but still a reasonable investment.  Try adding a few pieces to that LBD (little black dress), or if you're rushing out after work and in a black suit, definitely add a few pieces for that extra somethin' somethin'. 

 

And of course, the statement piece of season, the scarf! You can wear a scarf everywhere-to school drop off, out to dinner, the gym! They are so easy to wear, and who doesn't need a pop of color against their skin this time of year.  Keep one handy to cover your hair on those blistery winter days when you need to run back and forth between the market and your car too! Chic and dry.    

global girlfriends natures garden scarf.  Safe.  Almost boring.  But layer it against a simple white button down, and now you're talking.  Toss over a chocolate brown cardi.. Hello gorgeous.  Think about those days when you're just feeling bleh.  Those simple outfits that just need that..that.. that scarf.  

global girlfriend confetti blue scarf

This confetti blue would just pop against all those wonderful winter whites.  From fair to dark skin, this is the quintessential blue my friends. 

Well we've dressed for the party, accessorized for not a laute, part three leaves me at one of my favorites..Makeup and hair! Stay tuned.... 

Forever 21. Forever 31. Forever a steal.

My favorite.. Forever thirty ten, what my newly 40 year old (or 30-10 year old) girlfriend calls it.  

Whatever you call it, Forever 21 is like holding up the bank, it's that inexpensive.   I ran in this weekend, three little girls in tow, and in the 4.2 minutes they allotted me, I obsessed over the vests and jackets.  I managed to score a black riding jacket with satin trim that I will wear with jeans, over dresses, skirts and leggings until the darn thing falls apart.  Should the princesses have gifted me with more time, I surely would have walked out of there with....

this couture sleeve jacket.  TDF.  To. Die. For.  You can wear a boring pair of jeans + a tank, slip into this and BAM, million dollar baby. 

The perfect cuffed and tailored jacket.  No brainer. 

Make a statement with the embroidered chiffon vest

Kim and I disagree over the faux fur vest.  I..love it.  Kim..not thrilled.  You? Not sure you want to make the investment? Well here's a safe purchase, 32.80, and it can be worn over everything.  Why not..replace the fleece vest? Justathought. 

don't be shy.  It's not a store full of teenagers, and the sizes run pretty true to size.  And don't feel like you have to go head to toe forever 21 either-you wouldn't wear head to toe chanel, and you shouldn't be wearing head to toe forever 41 either!