I was supposed to be making meatballs and homemade mashed potatoes (debated in the paleo community) for dinner, but I didn’t feel like it. It’s my fault. I had pancakes for breakfast and crashed all day. They were delicious, but within a couple of bites I couldn’t even keep my head up. I’m waiting on some almonds so that I can make almond flour pancakes. My body definitely cannot tolerate white flour (a paleo no no, but I was craving). There’s about a cup of it left, once it’s gone, it’s gone. On a related note, I made Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream. Check it out!

Oh, and after spending some time on Pinterest and going a little wild with my very first jar of Mod Podge, I’m feeling inspired. More on those projects a little later :).

#febphotoaday

© Sophistishe 2012 | Permalink | 1 comment - Let's chat!

Nails to the Yeah! is back as a monthly link up! Every month I will be offering prizes to participants as a thank you and as a way to encourage participants to pamper themselves every once and a while! So without further ado, let’s share our nails! Here are mine as of today featuring an easy tutorial of how I did them :).

1. Paint your nails nude. Use as many coats it takes for full coverage. Let dry.
2. Paint a pink isosceles-like (lol) triangle on your nails. The lower left of the nail will be the starting point. Go over for full coverage. Let dry.
3. Draw a diagonal line along the line where the pink a nude colors meet using silver glitter nail art. Let dry.
4. Repeat this step using a gold nail art, drawing the line where the silver glitter and pink colors meet. Covering some of the silver is fine. Let dry, seal nails with a clear top coat, and clean up the edges.

All it took was 30 minutes for me to achieve this salon fresh look. Here’s the same style in black and turquoise! Love it!

<a href="http://sophistishe.com/tag/nails-to-the-yeah/" ><img src="http://sophistishe.com/stuff/nailstotheyeah.png" alt="Nails to the Yeah!: Pink & Nude Manicure Sophistishe mommy blog" title="Nails to the Yeah!: Pink & Nude Manicure Sophistishe" /></a>

Julep is this month’s Nails to the Yeah! sponsor! I will randomly draw a winner from the link up to receive Heather, Leah, and the Pomegranate Scrub! The link collection with close at 11:59PM CST on February 29th, 2012. Be sure to leave a comment after linking up your photos (Blog, Instagram, Flickr, etc.) so I have a way of contacting you if you win! If you are interested in joining the Julep Maven program, consider using code SHEENATATUM to get your introductory Julep Box (valued over $40) for only $5!

Show me your nails!

© Sophistishe 2012 | Permalink | 5 comments - Let's chat!

Not to long ago I was introduced to a company called Kelly Teegarden Organics.

A company started by an amazingly strong woman who is a cancer survivor. Who through time has experienced 1st hand the affects chemicals can have on our bodies.

For the past few weeks I have tested first hand Kelly’s facial cleanser and toner. Before even trying this line, I have always been one to watch what I put onto my skin. With years battling severe eczema and finding ways to maintain it, to other issues with breakouts and skin sensitivity… I have for years now never been able to use store bought facial cleansers or soap. Each time I tried I would break out in rashes and it would do nothing for my skin. I even tried all those expensive brands that swore to improve your skin. From the scents to the unreadable ingredients in them, I just steer clear now.

I was so pleased when I tried Kelly’s products. They worked beautifully and my skin has responded great.

I wish I could have tried her moisturizer line in order to give feed back on that, but I have yet to try it as of now. It will be on my wish list :) – finding a great moisturizer for me is still a challenge.

I got to interview Kelly and asked a few questions I thought Id share with this post:

1) Why did you feel the need to start your own line?

- I started Kelly Teegarden Organics because I couldn’t find luxurious, rich, chemical free products in the marketplace. After my cancer diagnosis, I searched high and low for products that would not affect my endocrine system, and product after product contained harmful chemicals. Kelly Teegarden Organics is guaranteed chemical free!

2) Are there other areas in your life besides beauty items, that you have made changes in, in order to live a healthier life style?

- I changed my diet to organic, I juice daily and drink high-alkaline water. My entire day is focused on staying alkaline.

3) Since many of us struggle financially today due to the economy, job loss and just life… If you had to pick your top 3 products from your line, which would they be?

- The Secret is an amazing facial cleanser that removes makeup. The Royal is our signature body lotion, packed with healthy ingredients, should be used daily. Rejeuvenate, is our super hydrating night cream. It can be used as a mask, if you need a boost of hydration, or can be worn overnight as a night cream, for dry skin.

4) Do you have any plans of starting a children’s line?

- Yes, I am so excited for my KTO children’s products. It is already formulated and we plan to release in mid 2012.

5) Can you tell us what is so different about the ingredients in your products?

- KTO ingredients have been hand selected from around the world. African Shea butter is the purest grade on the market, Organic essential oils are handpicked for their antibacterial, antimicrobial and healing effects. These highly-concentrated instantly hydrating cutting-edge products build the skin’s immune system and revitalize damaged cells, giving skin a youthful appearance.

What also sets KTO apart from other products, is that our line adheres to these guaranteed chemical free guidelines:

No cancer-causing ingredients
No organ toxicity
No endocrine disruptors
No toxic levels of ingredients
Natural preservatives based on salt
Never tested on animals

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So if you are in the market for a totally pure facial cleanser, body lotion, lip gloss and more – check out the Kelly Teegarden Organics line.

She {hearts} Freebies

Kelly would like to giveaway 1 Facial Cleanser to one of our readers!

To Enter:

Simply comment on this post letting us know one item that really stood out to you on Kelly’s shop.

Additional Entries:
Leave an additional comment for each entry you complete.

• Subscribe to our feed via RSS or EMAIL (be sure to click the verification link).
• Become a Fan of “she {hearts} it”.
• Become a fan of Kelly Teegarden Organics.
• Tweet about this giveaway.

A winner from the U.S. will be chosen on 2-7-11 at 7PM CST

Product Sample Provided – Giveaway Rules

Being a yoga instructor, I have known the importance of foot and posture health for many years. I know that being barefoot is best, but unfortunately we can’t be on a yoga mat all the time. I have been interested in minimalist shoes for awhile, but I didn’t know you could have fashion coincide with this concept. Walking around looking like I was wearing gloves on my feet wasn’t gonna happen.

Nada offers two minimalist style Somnio shoes, one for running and other forms of fitness, and a ballet style, more for everyday.

The ballet flat has been my go-to shoe. They’re so comfy!  These shoes have no break-in time. They felt amazing from day one. I was a bit apprehensive about the strap, being the fashionista I can be, but it’s awesome. I have actually grown to appreciate it. I can even play soccer with my kiddos in them. I couldn’t kick a ball in  my old flats without being afraid they’d fly off!

Also, the ballet style is great for those of you who do any barefoot type fitness at a gym (yoga, Pilates, etc.). I know most of my students will wear flip-flops, easy on/off, but the gyms that I’ve taught at have a closed-toe shoe policy (which they seem to overlook for these members), but in my opinion it’s a good policy to follow. Often times you’re walking through areas where people are training with weights and equipment and it’s always good to wear real shoes in these areas. This shoe is perfect. Easy on/off, and it looks great with yoga wear–very sporty!

While I’m not an avid runner I do run outside some, but I do more indoor cardio, like dancing, kick-boxing and circuit-training. The lace-up shoes by Nada were great for all that I alternate  between. Minimal break-in time, I noticed a little rubbing on one of my feet the first couple times, but it went away and I’ve had no problem at all. I did wear thin socks with them–I don’t  think they’re meant to be worn with socks, but it just felt more comfortable to wear socks with sneakers.

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When you order from Nada you not only get a great minimalist shoe, but with every pair you receive a very well-made foot strengthening DVD program. This DVD has some great stretches and foot strengthening moves to get you on the road to optimal foot health.

She {hearts} Freebies

The guys at Nada are giving one of our readers a pair of these lightweight, comfy shoes, your choice of style and color! Yes, I know…pretty awesome!

To Enter:

Check out the selection over at Nada and let us know in a comment which pair you would like if you win.

Additional Entries:
Leave an additional comment for each entry you complete.

• Subscribe to our feed via RSS or EMAIL (be sure to click the verification link).
• Become a Fan of “she {hearts} it”.
• Tweetabout this giveaway.

 Comments are closed. Congratulations to our winner, Anastasia!

Please see our Giveaway Rules for further details.

Product Sample Provided

Part of what gets me into the Winter spirit are boots and sweaters. Fair Isle sweaters especially. I just fall for them every time. I was recently introduced to Krimson Klover who are like THE lady sweater emporium! Krimson Klover offer what they like to call Knits With a Twist. All of their sweaters not only keep in the warmth, but they dress up like nobody’s business. Krimson Klover offers styles that are sexy, flirty, and fun… so there’s a little something for everyone!

I received the Eva sweater and it is gorgeous! I chose grey (flannel/ivory) because it can be worn with almost any color legging, jean, boot, and accessory. What I found most impressive, is how soft the sweater is. I am not a fan of itchy sweaters (sensitive skin) and the merino wool used to create the Eva did not disappoint! The sweater is a little loose on me (in the picture), but I’ve since used a technique (carefully) to shrink it to my liking. Not only do Krimson Klover carry sweaters, but scarves, hats, tights, and socks too! So you can mix and match for your favorite Winter look!

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Krimson Klover can be purchased online at Wyoming Outfitters, Athleta, and many other brick and mortar locations (pdf file). Sweaters retail for over $100, but they are luxurious merino wool that will certainly retain their quality over the years.

Product Sample Provided

Originally posted 2011-04-18 09:02:41.

Over the weekend, we decided to color some eggs using an inexpensive kit I found at Walmart. I couldn’t help but to grab the Eggosaurus kit because of its dinosaur themed decorations. Jayden loves dinosaurs second best to trains of course. Since this craft project would be for display only, I didn’t let the current food dye debate rain on my egg coloring parade. I went back and forth in my head about it, admittedly. I decided to let it go this year and next year, I’d find a kit with plant based dyes.

Jayden and I had a blast with the Eggosaurus kit. I’d be fibbing if I said it was an easy process, though. I’d say it took an hour between boiling the eggs, punching the dinosaurs out, dying the eggs, letting them dry, and assembling the dinosaurs. I felt like I was on my feet forever!

While putting the dinosaurs together (with elmer’s glue dots), I gave Jayden a cup of water and an egg to scoop around. Kept him occupied.

While waiting for the eggs to color, Jayden modeled for the camera.

Peek-a-boo, Mommy.

Egg!

When it was time to remove the eggs from the color baths, Jayden scooped the eggs out while Greg drilled him on his colors. He kept saying, “Look, Daddy, I’m having fun! Ooo it’s a baby! Different color eggs!”

Next step was to put the eggs in the dinosaur “egg holders” and stick on the stickers and spines.

Voila, Eggosaurs complete!

For less than $3 (I lost my receipt), we got a super fun craft that we all enjoyed and will always remember.

© Sophistishe 2012 | Permalink | 3 comments - Let's chat!

Originally posted 2011-04-18 09:02:41.

Over the weekend, we decided to color some eggs using an inexpensive kit I found at Walmart. I couldn’t help but to grab the Eggosaurus kit because of its dinosaur themed decorations. Jayden loves dinosaurs second best to trains of course. Since this craft project would be for display only, I didn’t let the current food dye debate rain on my egg coloring parade. I went back and forth in my head about it, admittedly. I decided to let it go this year and next year, I’d find a kit with plant based dyes.

Jayden and I had a blast with the Eggosaurus kit. I’d be fibbing if I said it was an easy process, though. I’d say it took an hour between boiling the eggs, punching the dinosaurs out, dying the eggs, letting them dry, and assembling the dinosaurs. I felt like I was on my feet forever!

While putting the dinosaurs together (with elmer’s glue dots), I gave Jayden a cup of water and an egg to scoop around. Kept him occupied.

While waiting for the eggs to color, Jayden modeled for the camera.

Peek-a-boo, Mommy.

Egg!

When it was time to remove the eggs from the color baths, Jayden scooped the eggs out while Greg drilled him on his colors. He kept saying, “Look, Daddy, I’m having fun! Ooo it’s a baby! Different color eggs!”

Next step was to put the eggs in the dinosaur “egg holders” and stick on the stickers and spines.

Voila, Eggosaurs complete!

For less than $3 (I lost my receipt), we got a super fun craft that we all enjoyed and will always remember.

© Sophistishe 2012 | Permalink | 3 comments - Let's chat!

I was recently introduced to Julep, a fabulous company dedicated to delivering VIP Sneak Peek Boxes full of nail polish and nail care every month – hello! This service is part of the Julep Maven program. To get started, you take a style quiz and Julep provides you with a selection of trendy nail polish and products. These products are sent to you and beauty editors before they hit the public. Fancy huh? If you are unhappy with Julep’s selection, you can change the selection before your box is mailed out to you.

The cost of the Julep Maven program is $19.99/month for $40 worth of product which comes out to $5 per polish if you choose to receive all polish. If it’s not in the budget for the month or if you want to treat yourself to something else, you can always choose to skip each month. You can get your introductory Julep Box (valued over $40) for only $5 when using code SHEENATATUM and if you like what you see, continue your membership :).

In my Introductory Maven (Classic With a Twist) Box, I received the Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener, Taylor (periwinkle creme), Maya (pink seashell), and SPF Hand Cream, and Hand Scrub samples. I’ve painted my nails with Taylor and topped it with Pure Ice Cheatin. It’s kind of funky since I normally don’t paint my nails purple. I painted my toes with Maya. It’s a gorgeous light pink frost color. I actually think Maya would look best on my nails and Taylor best on my toes. I was amazed at how fast they both dried though. I can totally see myself in the car… the passenger side of course… doing an instant manicure with Julep. Oh and the Hand Brightener smells sooo good and leaves my hands feeling so soft and hydrated.

All of Julep’s nail polish are free of formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP. And their nail care products are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. And the icing on the cake? Julep donates $1 from every Julep Nail Color bottle purchased to charities that power girlfriends. Score!

So my girlfriends, it’s time I share Julep with you. I’m giving away a Classic With a Twist Maven Box below and I will also be giving away more Julep goodies through Spring during Nails to the Yeah! (now a monthly link up). So be on the lookout for the new and improved Nails to the Yeah! coming February 1st! Chicka Chicka Yeah! And enter the giveaway below :).

Giveaway ends January 29th 12:01 EST. A winner from the U.S. or Canada will be randomly selected and announced in the Rafflecopter widget below. Check out my Giveaway Rules if you have any questions. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Julep provided me with a complimentary Maven Box and the prize for this giveaway. Just thought you should know in case it wasn’t clear :). Disclosure and all that jazz.

© Sophistishe 2012 | Permalink | 22 comments - Let's chat!

Having a little girl is SO MUCH FUN! The dresses, the shoes, the princesses, the baby dolls. I love it all! And as the years have gone by, I have patiently waited for her beautiful hair to grow long enough to play with, and now, less than 2 months away from her 3rd birthday, it has become any every day ritual to “pick a bow”. Now this didn’t happen overnight. It took a few weeks of daily rituals of brushing her hair, and even now, she still will not allow me to put her hair into any form of a ponytail. But what she WILL let me do, is put her hair in pretty bows and headbands. I’ll take it! I’m in heaven!

This has opened up a whole new world for me! I have perused local retail stores, boutiques, etsy, eBay, you name it! But my most favorite hair accessory maker of all-time can be found right under my nose, on FACEBOOK!

Amazing, talented, sweet, creative…..those are only a few words used to describe Cat, from The Crafty Cat Corner! She comes up with the cutest and most unique bows, clippies, & headbands I have ever seen. But the best part is, she is willing to work with me to customize items to match outfits Lily already has! For example, I had mentioned I was looking to do Lily’s third birthday party with a Paris theme. Cat was able to create this beautiful bow, for Lily to wear to her birthday party!

Now, I know what your asking. How much do they cost? The normal price range for Cat’s items are $2-$10. That is a STEAL if you ask me! You can’t find bows like these is just a store! Let alone, something custom made to your specifications?! It’s amazing.

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The Crafty Cat Corner does business  through their Facebook Page for now. Head on over there, LIKE the page, and you can check out everything Cat has to offer by browsing her “For Sale” albums or contacting her directly through the Contact/Order Here tab on the left.

She {hearts} Freebies

Cat would love to make a custom made bottle cap bow just for a pretty little girl you know! One winner will be chosen at random.

To Enter:

Tell us what you would ask Cat to custom make for that special little girl in your life? Does she love Rapunzel or My Little Pony? Is pink her favorite color? Does she LOVE sparkles or stripes? These are all things Cat could incorporate into a custom made piece, just for you.

Additional Entries: Leave an additional comment for each entry you complete.

• Subscribe to our feed via RSS or EMAIL (be sure to click the verification link).
• Become a Fan of “she {hearts} it”.
• Become a fan of The Crafty Cat Corner.
• Tweet about this giveaway.

A winner from the U.S. will be chosen on 2/1/2012 at 7PM CST. Please see our Giveaway Rules for further details.
Product Sample Provided