the deal with the red

The difference between the reds was hands down a no brainer, I mean SO obvious. The odd thing was, photographically there was barely a discernable difference. Sorry for the teaser but I didn't want y'all to think I was crazy because it looked like there was no difference between the shades but there totally was. My hubby moaned and groaned the whole time prior asking me not to wear it and wouldn't you know it? In the ladies room at the wedding I had a woman tell me how much she was admiring my red lips and wished she could wear red lipstick... yeah, yeah there is a shade for everyone but she has had make up professionals tell her, "Sorry, I guess you just can't wear red."

You can imagine that she helped put an extra bounce in my step, but not only that it was a great wedding for two people I am so excited for.



Since I don't really have an excuse in the near future to sport red lips again I just bought a couple drug store brands. It wore really well throughout the night and I'd highly recommend it. The final pick was Prestige Fatal Red, which you can find at Target, most grocery stores and probably any drug store.

not mom bangs

Keira wanted her hair cut, "This Short!" she emphatically stated with her little hand splayed out flat just under the lobe of her ear.

"Oh Keira, your hair is so pretty."

"Waaaaaaah, I want it cut!"

I lopped off the the seven inches in the front. "There you go honey-bangs! They look great."

And all was right in the world.

motomoto

I first discovered boudoir photography (for real people, like you and me) last October during a wedding show. The fabulous Laurel McConnell offers what she calls "The Sexy Shoot." It is often paired with wedding packages or a mini shoot can be done while you are primping for your big day. But I thought; what a fabulous thing to do after you have had babies. I honestly can't think of anything that would make me feel more liberated and sexy. I'm thinking for our five year wedding anniversary in January I will gift the rewards of a little boudoir sesh to my husband as little reminder of how hot is wife is; the wife that gave him three beautiful baby girls.

A good photographer will know how to photograph you in a way that makes you look and feel comfortable. Your ease and confidence will show through in the images, and that's really what sexiness is all about!


I have done some research to prepare myself and found these helpful tips:

Choose someone whose work you love and who you feel comfortable with personally.

Show your photographer images from movies, magazines or websites that you think are beautiful and that embody the kind of sexy style you're going for.

On the day of your shoot wear loose fitting clothing and no tight bras or undies before hand to avoid dents and lines on your skin.

Photo shoots can take place anywhere; consider a hotel room for luxury and privacy, the photographers studio or even your own home. Choose the location you will feel most comfortable.

Pick an assortment of lingerie that makes you feel fantastic, as well as any props, sentimental items or other outfits. Consider grabbing a few items from his closet like his favorite tee, his button down shirt, or one of his ties. You may not use it all, but it's a good idea to have options with you.

Images are from Cheryl Jones whom I plan on using, her images are flirty and tasteful and her price is very reasonable if I can get in on a "marathon" session. There are photographers all over the country that specialize in this type of artistic photography but if you are in the Seattle area, Laurel and Cheryl are awesome ladies.

If you haven't been subjected to Madagascar II as often as I have, motomoto means Hot! Hot!

kersh crush

cross posted*

I have several Kersh items in my closet. I bought this lovely poplin swing top last weekend. The gorgeous jewel green is the fourth addition to my wardrobe in that hue (I organize my clothes by color) and what better day to break it in?


*Except I'm laughing at one of my kids in this photo.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Sláinte!

xo

skin deep

Our skin is our largest organ and as women we slather all kinds of things on ourselves in the hopes of beautifying, firming, delaying aging, fading freckles, and minimizing scars or stretch marks. I am totally guilty of it. There are almost no regulations on cosmetic companies which is fine, but it is up to us to be educated about what we use on our bodies and in turn slather our kids in. Even the stuff that is supposed to be good for you-like sunscreen, can be chock full of metals and other things we probably wouldn't apply liberally if we stopped and thought about it.

Skin Deep is a highly resourceful cosmetics database that ranks the toxicity in each ingredient to provide an overall score ranking in three categories: low (0-2), moderate (3-6) and high (7-10) hazard. They have category short cuts for Makeup, Skin Care, Hair Care, Eye Care, Nail Care, Baby Care, Oral Care and Fragrance, or if you are curious about a specific product you use you can search by name brand or narrow it down to ingredient.

My Neutrogena sunscreen that I layered on myself and my kids last summer scores a 7. Naturally I freaked out for a moment, but did I really increase my children's cancer probabilities in one summer? Unlikely. Will I research and consider other products this year. Absolutely. Power in information, but be warned this website can be a total time suck. Don't put is past yourself to casually search a product and then feel compelled to raid your medicine cabinet. Oh and just please don't start with the deodorants.