Three Haute Mamas

Boston Don't Be Shocked..It's Called "Warm Weather" + We Are Here to Help

Hey Mamas!

Wow! We are just now recovering from last week! And our girls weekend in Nantucket wasn't exactly restful, truth be told! Work continues on our website, and as usual we are running fashionably late on our debut.  It's turning out to be more of a project than expected and when the going gets tough, the tough turn to

No000!  Not the bottle! Shopping!  That's actually a photo from a very fun night out apres Fashion Show (that went super duper well) at our good friend Maryanne Kondraki's Contrary Boutique.  She knows us-she had plenty of food, fashion, and yes, skinnygirl margaritas on ice waiting!  Thanks Maryanne! 

And now it's almost Memorial Day weekend, the start of summer!  And Boston, don't be shocked, but the forecast is calling for sunny days ahead.   Are you ready to brave the pool/beach mamas? We've discussed summer prep before, and how you should not be surprised it's coming, well..I am so not ready.  But no time like the present! I've been starving myself eating healthy and just found this awesome workout via my idol, and if I ever feel my legs again it'll be a miracle.  Speaking of miracles, I thought the Calypso St. Barth prices at Target were sent from heaven, right now, the sale prices on their website are an additional 40% off.  Check out these to die for looks for summer

this makes me as happy as a skinnygirl margarita

oh yes.. an additional 40% off makes all that Tracy Anderson pain oh so worth it.  

 

 

Still TIME to Enter, Pregnancy Style + a Flash Back

Our spring "time" give away deadline has been extended-that's right, extra "time" to enter.  Just leave us a comment telling us how you tell time during your busy day.  For me, it's my trusty 

that's right Kim! The oven does in fact get used.

Sad, but true.  If only the mamas weren't exempt from the this most excellent give away! 

Speaking of mamas, I am loving this mama to be's pregnancy style!  

Please tell me she's at least wearing flip flops under that gown.  I don't think in my three pregnancies I ever looked that glamorous.  Even in week one.  But I loved dressing up my big belly, and I loved this post from last year, so like my first (and second) pregnancies, worth repeating.  Enjoy!

Rock That Belly

Oceanside yesterday I couldn't help but be in awe of a soon to be mama sporting a teeny tiny bikini while at least 8 months pregnant.  Totally haute, and when she left, a simple sarong wrap to complete the look. Now I don't live in a mecca of fashion, au contraire, 8 month pregnant mamas generally sport your basic maternity suits. This left me thinking I always I wasn't always in control of my belly or "the girls" when I was pregnant.  They kind of "snuck out", not in a bad way, and that was fine.  Think about it..pregnancy is the one time when your fanny is finally proportionately smaller than your waist.  The "girls" are full and cleavage abounds.  Your stomache is tight.  Maybe not six pack tight but all the same.  If you've never sported a bikini by all means, now may be the time to rock and roll with your big bad belly.  

Good day sunshines!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping a Green Face: Alba Botanica

Going green doesn't have to mean washing your face with bar soap and water.  Ohnonono.  Product junkie here recently made the switch from uber expensive facial cleansers back to my green roots-Alba Botanica.  I found that my wrinkles and "freckles" (some may call them age spots, I prefer the term freckles) weren't disappearing, but my hard earned cash certainly was.  I was also having a hard time with all the chemicals involved.  I use Renova, so I felt like I was turning my  face into a chemical waste land.  I beleive in moderation.  Keep the Renova, and supplement with my Alba Botanica. And aside from this lovely pimple that popped up out of nowhere (even my kids can't hide their horror, it's thatbig), my skin feels and looks exactly the same.  Unlike my wallet which is much fuller. 

The Hawaiian Collection.  I feel like I'm giving my skin a tropical vacation, and not stuck in this tundra.

and for those of you suffering through acne (that'd probably be me) they've released a Natural ACNEdote.  

 

Why add all those harmful chemicals to your teens skin when Lord knows they're a raging bucket of hormones anyhow.  Teens are so into the whole saving the earth deal these days, so one up them, and bring home this baby first.  Like totally.. 

And the best part..these products aren't available exclusively at fancy schmancy designer department store.  Try the holy grail..Target.  Or even your local market (Whole Foods, Shaws, etc..).  Your friends will be green with envy when they hear how much you saved. 

Win the "It" bag of the Week in Boston: Ellie Fund Oscar Night Swagbag

Like the Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala wasn't fun enough?  Then quitting time comes, and oh joy! Swagbag surprise!  You always see the celebs making out hand over fist at these award shows, and now it's our your turn! That's right mamas, we are giving you our swag bag full of amazing items worth mucho dinero if there was a price tag attached (and there isn't because this was complimentary and part of the whole Oscar night experience).   What's inside you ask? Let's pretend, for a moment, that we're high paid actresses, and take a look....

I see gift cards.....and full sized products mamas.  We love ourselves free full sized products.  What else is inside there?

Ohh..is that a fifty dollar gift card to the new Del Friscos steakhouse (opening April 23rd)!? Date night mamas! Bernie and Phyls..quality, comfort and price, another gift card-so nice!

 

You know the celebs don't do their own hair, and neither should you....how about a complimentary blow out courtesty of  Salon Capri (with two locations Newton and the new Legacy Place).  Might need a haircut first? $40 haircut gift card and complimentary manicure from Avanti Salon, located on Newbury Street and South Boston.  We always say beauty doesn't have to cost a lot.  This should further the cause. 

And when you get home, pamper those tresses with full sized Redken hair products.  Did I say full sized? Loves. 

Stars are always hitting the top spas, so why not you, mama?  The most elegant Boston Mandarin Oriental hosted this lavish event, and included in this bag is a gift certificate to the Spa at the MO.  Mamas, I get teary eyed on this one, and you may just have to pry it out of my greedy paws and I wish you nothing but utmost peace and relaxation. Om. 

Lip balms, two All Natural goats milk soap, water bottle from an upcoming movie, teeshirt from "the Last Airbender", a Groupon coupon (Certified Groupon Groupie in the house), free hummus coupon.. Seriously..there's more, but you'll have to pull a Natalie Portman and be a winner to find out what it is.  This gift bag and all it's contents is up for grabs to a randomly chosen winner to be announced next Friday, March 11.  All you have to do is answer the question below, so get your Red Sox* thinking caps on:

We love a good movie as much as you all, tell us your favorite movie of 2011.  

tell us your favorite movie of 2011 in the comment section on the blog,or facebook and for an extra chance (or three) follow us on Facebook, the blog, or Twitter (and let us know about it).  So mamas, up to four chances to win, but whatever you do, don't miss out on this chance to win the "it" bag of the week in Boston.  But get your entry in quick, because like spring training this contest ends soon too.  

 

they are actually jumping for joy over this contest

*The Red Sox cap is merely a suggestion and in no way influences the contest winner decision.  The winner will be chosen randomly using Random.org.  Even if they don a Yankees cap.  

 

Legal schmegal: contest open to residents of the US only (sorry mi amigas and mes amis).  Contest ends at midnight, 3/11/2011.  Shipments cannot be mailed to PO Boxes.  We really do hope the Red Sox win this World Series this year (we just want that noted).  

And the Oscar for the Best Dressed Goes to...The Hautes + the Nautes

We love a good dress as much as we love a good party, and man were there plenty.  While I missed my beloved live from the Red Carpet, you can be sure the gals and I were glued to our phones, Tweeting and Facebooking, looking at each other puzzled, questioning, "What's going on with Reese's hair? No one likes Reese's hair." "Everyone loves Cate Blanchett-who's she wearing?".  

Fast forward to Tuesday..So here are our choices based on what we've seen on screen.  Meaning on our computer screens.  And it's our blog so awards are handed out only after about four minutes of thought and comparison (those of you with children do not need explanation).  

So Cate Blanchett in Givenchy? Really? Everyone's favorite? Really? 

I agree Kate it is puzzling... your eye goes straight to the big circle design on her chest! Speaking as a New Englander it looks like a Lobster bib! Huh? XO Kimberly

They say it was art work... I don't get it. This gets my worst dressed award.  XO Christina

Anne Hathaway, red vintage Valentino haute couture dress and red from that embarrassing co-hosting performance put on by Mr. Franco.  We loves you still Annie! Haute

I agree! It is rumored that The Rachel Zoe was paid six figures to dress Hathaway throughout the night, RZ is the queen of Oscar Style I knew she would deliver! Beautiful!! 

This is a classic piece. I love Vintage.. You can't go wrong.. May not be the best of hers for the night but a masterpiece for sure!!!

Jennifer Hudson in Versace, never mind the Weight Watchers points, how about an all points bulletin because that girl was almost illegal in that dress.  Haute.  

I agree, this girl is on fire!!!! 

You go girl!!! And Simon said on American Idol you weren't going anywhere.. Ummmm I love me some Simon but did anyone see him there?

Hillary Swank looked just dreamy in this dress by Gucci premiere.  Now I tried on a similar dress and God bless her, because I hadn't left the fitting room and feathers were flying everywhere.  One would assume she wasn't shopping Lord and Taylor juniors department though.  Her feathers were probably hand sewn individiually with angel hair come to think of it. Haute

Kate you make me laugh! I loved this dress, so elegant and so couture! 

Kate where did you try this dress on.. Maybe I can go get it and have Kim sew the feathers on in her spare time... I HEART this dress.... This is my best dressed and all I can say is Obsessed!!! But of course I would be... It's GUCCI!!! Ahhhhhhhhh...

Some guy. Haute. 

Agreed! giggle! giggle!!

Representing bean town!!!!

There's one at every party. Tonight there were two. 

Their is always a muse for every designer!

She always wears costume (no not custom) designed dresses... Why I don't know.. isn't that what Halloween is for???

Methuen's very own Maria Menunous.  You know we love a local. Haute.

and don't forget die hard Celtics Fan!! 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection probably could have played stand in for one of the Oscar statuettes in this number, but I think she looks smashing.  Haute. 

Pretty but not my favorite.

Very Modern and I agree Kim not my fav...

 

Melissa Leo,you f#$%ing rock! No, really, I mean look at that f#@!ing gorgeous dress.  We f*&^ing love you girlfriend! F#$@ing Haute. 

It was a thrill to watch her win the Oscar with a room full of her fellow actors and actresses at The Ellie Fund Oscar Gala in Boston! The room sounded like the red sox just won the world series!! True Boston Spirit do we expect anything else!! 

Kate... your killing me!!! HAHAHA!!!!! Amazing. She looked amazing!!! Love this dress!!! 

Javier Bardem and Penelope "I just had a baby four minutes ago" Cruz.  She should have gotten an Oscar just for fitting into that L'Wren Scott dress so soon after childbirth.  Haute and hauter.

Beautiful! and Congratulations Haute Mama Cruz!

Umm.. Realy?? Really?? I am going to eat a cookie!!! Ugggghhhhh!!

So while no one really jumped out at me as being the run away best dressed, Gwyneth and Anne definitely get props, Mr. and Mrs. "we just left the hospital with our newborn, we are sleep walking" Bardem get cutest couple, "Marky" Mark Wahlberg, cutest boy at the prom, and Reese, the hair isn't that tragic.  Runner up sister. 

It's the young hip Oscars! I loved the hair  screams 60's throw back! 

I know the hair isn't the it look for now but it fits her so well!!! If I could look like a barbie doll everyday then I would... She will always be one my favs... she can't do much wrong!

for more on our Oscar night fun go here

I need to add one more picture because I loved this dress so much, it is so simple yet dramatic at the same time! Camila Alves wearing a Kaufman Franco gown! WOW!!!  XO Kimberly

He is one lucky man... she and the dress are gorgeous!!! She is a Haute Mama for sure!!!

Honestly..I can't decide who I love more.  Perfection people..perfection.

Red Carpet Prep Work Continues: Keeping it Real Healthy

 This edition of keeping it real, brought to you by Kate.  It's not all Red Carpets and nights on the town for these mamas.  It's actually mostly nights at home, and vaccuuming carpets if you want to keep it real.  But fortunately, we have found a way to get out every once in a while, and this weekend is one of them.  Yea Ellie Fund Oscar Night Gala! However this Red Carpet prep work? Yikes.  Have you any idea what the celebs torture themselves with go through to prepare for the Oscars? Fasts, back breaking workouts with celebrity trainers, and worse-laxative teas?! Ewww...spare me the deets, lest  I lose my appetite (on second thought.....).  No magic potions, we like the old fashioned eat right and exercise.  Rumor has it even Christina (our resident waif!) is hitting the treadmill!  So while you may not ever confuse me for 

 

or

you may recognize this gal, out barely awake and struggling happily out jogging at 6 am through town.

Yep.  That's me, absolutely not Red Carpet ready, but keeping it real.  Real warm that it is.  The thermometer read 10 degrees when I left this am.  That's a one and a zero people.  And that would be two pairs of pants, two fleece jackets, one vest and a long sleeve tops I'm sporting.  How about those ski gloves?  Haute? Probably not.  Hot? Just barely.  

Do you have a big event you're getting ready for? Try using these healthy tips from FitSugar, and leave the laxative teas at the drug store.  

I wonder how many people use events, say a wedding, gala, reunion, to motivate them to drop a few pounds/get in shape versus people who try to stay fit year round for no reason what so ever?  Big events just don't do it for me, I'm a year rounder.  And by "round"...

 

Haute Mama Success Story: How weight loss strengthened this mama from the inside out

"When I was running, my kids couldn't see me getting out my aggression"

And Jen Farias ran.  A lot.  She ran off 35 pounds to be exact after her husband decided he didn't want to be married anymore, leaving her a single mom of two.  Sometimes we look at losing weight as a means to fit into a pair of jeans we covet, or a hope to look good at an event.  Jen took a different approach:

"I wasn't thinking about it "diet-wise" but more as a stress release, something that I could control when my life was spiraling out of it".  

Unfortunately, while tackling running she was neglecting her eating habits.  "I was wasting away, and within three months I went from 152 pounds to 117!  I'm 5'4'', and it really wasn't pretty-all skin, no muscle tone."  At that point, I started to incorporate weight training and making small changes into my diet.  The first step was becoming more conscious of what nutrients were entering her body.  An admitted sugar lover, she didn't completely eliminate it but simply looked for alternatives, like creating her sweet, yet healthy, home made granola.  "It still has that bit of chocolate I crave, but is oil free and sweetened with orange juice".  She also makes sure to include a "real" treat once or twice a week as well.  "If I want a piece of cake on a special occasion, I don't say no, but it's certainly not every day".  

This year she was blindsided with more stress when her son was diagnosed with kidney failure.  "Fortunately we came out of it ok, but for the rest of his life he will have severe dietary restrictions.  This meant a change as a family.  Out went the salt, all together.  Things we take for granted like packaged foods, no more."  

All of these diet and exercise changes had some unplanned side effects however.  "All of a sudden I would be working out, and people would be staring.  I was in the middle of a divorce, in a small town, and I could just imagine..well wouldn't you know, they started coming up to me and asking me what I was training for!  Then asking me-ME-for exercise tips!"  Jen started helping friends achieve their health goals, and is currently working towards her next goal-her fitness training certification! 

 

Next up:  Jen shares her top three get fit tips and her home made granola recipe.  

 

 

Hey Slick, keep hydrated with body oils

Feeling itchy and dry? Give a bath oil a try.  You don't have to sit in the tub, step out of the shower and give one a rub. 

Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil, a classic that screams out high school to me.  That being said I had fabulous skin in high school.  Hmm..

Ginger Gloss-there is a reason Oprah picked the line as one of her FA-vor-ITES (you know the voice).  The crisp scent, and skin softening spray will have you talking LIKE thIS all DAYYYYY...

Alba Kukui Nut Body Oil-smells like tanning oil.  You do too know what tanning oil smells like you big liar.  

The original,

and reminds me of when my babies were actually babies.  Plus I hear that's what  Jennifer Anniston uses, and if that's her secret, Costco here I come..........  

 

 

An important tip on hair care from Cambie Beauty..........

Hello Beauty Junkies, here is a great hair survival tip for the winter months. HYDRATE! Much like your skin, your hair can really dry out in the harsh winter. So you must remember to hydrate your hair. Our Moisturizing Reconstructing Treatment contains rice proteins and liposome activated enzymes that clings to each hair shaft. This action allows your hair to rehydrate, increase shine and restore strength to once dry and chemically damaged hair...Happy styling~CB

Be Well and Stay Beautiful
Tami deVries
cambié Beauty Essentials~making an investment in every person we meet...

Dry skin + chapped lips? Problem salved! Smiths Rosebud Salve

You're not seeing things..that thermometer is correct.  And dropping.  Take care of that pout, and all exposed skin by this wonder balm.  Found for about six dollars in among other places, drugstores, Target, Sephora and Nordstroms, this legendary all purpose lip balm has been around for over a hundred years, making it tried and true. 

I discovered this product years ago as a lip gloss, and but fell in love with it as a mom.  I applied it to my babies faces during the cold winter months to prevent wind burn.  And when a runny nose caused that uncomfortable redness, Smiths to the rescue! Diaper rash? It works.  

Keep it around to apply to hands and cuticles too.  Who isn't washing their hands a hundred times a day during cold and flu season?  A little dab is all you need an this tiny tin will last forever.  

As a certified product junkie, this one is a top of the medicine cabinet shelf award winner.  Multitasking, useful for the entire family, economical at around $6 a tin,  and all natural.  

Winter skin care got you down? Problem salved!