Ladies Who Lunch: Real Mom Style

February 17, 2014 by Angelica 11 Comments

It feels really good to get out and spend time with my gal pals. I try to make this a weekly habit. Not only do I actually get to have real grown-up conversations, I get to play dress up, look like a grown-up and try different hot spots for brunch and dinner. As I wait for a cab, I cherish the time I can actually sit down, take a breath of fresh air and sift thru my emails or read my texts. Ironically as it is for a blogger, I don’t spend a ton of time in front of my laptop or scrolling on my iPhone. I use this weekly time I have to myself to deepen the relationships I have with my friends in person, as well as thru social media.

:: Outfit ::

Sunglasses: Aldo
Dress: Ann Taylor (Spring 2013)
Necklace/Earrings: Ann Taylor (Winter 2013)
Bracelet: Michael Kors
Tights: Spanx
Adelaide Bag: Aldo
Booties: Michael Kors

::Photography by Erika Macias ::

Linking Up with Monday Mingle, RealMomStyle!

Play Date at the National Building Museum: Real Mom Style

February 10, 2014 by Angelica 11 Comments

I’m always exploring Washington DC with my kids. One of our favorite museums is The National Building Museum. It’s one of the best indoor venues for keeping my kids active and entertained during the winter months while I can actually get a break and finally page thru my favorite magazines. I try to take the kids there once a week, with half the day spent at the Play, Work, Build exhibit and the Building Zone. It’s also one of my absolute favorite places to host my kids birthday parties.

:: Outfit ::

Top: Maeve Overland Button Down-Anthropologie.
Vegan Leather Pencil Skirt: Forever 21
Quilted Chain Strap Bag: Forever 21
Zip Up Leather Biker Ankle Boots: Zara
Bracelet: Michael Kors Astor Buckle Bangle (Golden)

:: Photography by Cosmopolitan Imagery and Design::

Linked up with #RealMomStyle and MondayMingle

Sprinkles Cupcake Contest: Nominate Your Child’s Fave Teacher to Win by February 10th!

February 4, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Sprinkles Cupcakes Georgetown, the Washington DC outlet of the world’s first cupcake bakery, is currently running a “Sweetest Teacher Contest,” that began January 21st. Local K – 8 students at schools in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are invited to submit their favorite teachers for consideration by February 10, by writing a short (250 word) essay about why their favorite teacher is the best. Sprinkles will choose the top three teachers out of these submissions, and the public will vote on the final winner on the Sprinkles DC Facebook page. “Education is such an important part of our community,” said Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes. “This is our way of reaching out and saluting the teachers that give so much of themselves, and provide so much to the children in our area. We are excited to give students a chance to think about their teachers, and express what makes them great. We can’t read to see what students have to say about the educators that have changed their lives.” Forms are available at the Sprinkles DC/Georgetown location at 3015 M St NW, Washington DC. You can also download the form from the Sprinkles DC Facebook page, by clicking here and emailing it to dc@sprinkles.com.

The winning teacher will receive a $250 Sprinkles gift card and a $250 gift card for office supplies
the first runner up will receive $150 at each location
3rd place will receive a $100 gift card For additional information and a list of future locations, please visit www.sprinkles.com

{Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Sprinkles Cupcake DC. It is with pleasure and joy that I help promote this opportunity to win something special from Sprinkles for your child’s favorite teacher in Northern Virginia, DC or Maryland}

A Snowy Day in Clarendon: Real Mom Style

February 3, 2014 by Angelica 17 Comments

All Photography by Cosmopolitan Imagery and Design.

A Snowy Day in Clarendon: Real Mom Style

There’s been a number of Snow Days since the beginning of 2014, which gives me pure joy. I love layering up in warm, cozy pieces. Winter weather inspires me to get in touch with my sartorial side more than any other season. I love the textures of all the fabrics and I enjoy the challenge of coming up with a warm, yet fashionable outfit complete with casual and polished outer wear. During the duration of the winter months, you can expect to see me in a lot of black and gray, not only because it’s effortless, but those colors area always chic and timeless. I especially love wearing a pop of faux fur to jazz up the look.

:: Outfit ::

Coat: ZARA Long Combination Quilted Puffer
Faux Fur Muffler: LOFT
Zipper Leggings: Zara
MICHAEL By Michael Kors Fulton High Heel Booties: Bloomingdale’s

::Photography by Cosmopolitan Imagery and Design ::

Linking Up with Very Busy Mama, Thrifty and Chic Mom and Momma in Flip Flops.

Eco-Friendly & Vegan Baby Products: Orico LONDON Little Love

January 27, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

ORICO LONDON LITTLE LOVE BABY PRODUCTS

I love trying new beauty products on myself! But, when it comes to my kids–I’m very careful about what I put on their skin. As a general rule of thumb, I test it on my own sensitive skin for at least a week to see how it affects my skin before slathering on any new products on their delicate skin. My son Logan is the most sensitive with very dry flaky skin with a touch of eczema. However, after I used the full line of Orico London Little Loveproducts on him, his skin actually improved! I am pleasantly surprised! It only takes about a dime size of theGentle Soothing Body Wash to lather the entire body of a four year old and about a quarter size squeeze of theProtecting Baby Skin Balm. My kids actually really like the soft, honey and royal jelly scented fragrance of the products. It personally reminds me of the sweet smell of a beloved lady who used to own the local downtown pharmacy that I used to frequent as a child, a place my mom purchased all of my skin care products. Thankfully, products have come a very long way since then. Orico London products are free from parabens, are certified natural and organic, using pure, natural ingredients and are entirely free from Sulphates, DEA, PEGS, Petroleum, Mineral Oils, Artificial Fragrances and Colors, Silicones, TEA, formaldehyde releasing preservatives (quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-Diol), phthalates, propylene glycol, and 1,4-Dioxane. And Orico has the Ecocert guarantee, which gives me 100% peace of mind.

Gentle Soothing Wash

Wash with love. Little Love Gentle Soothing Wash is a certified organic baby wash with all-natural ingredients to cleanse and moisturize soft, sensitive baby skin. With neroli and coconut to calm and soothe your Little Lovesthis is perfect at bath time as a baby wash or shampoo. $19 To purchase, click here.

Protecting Baby Skin Balm

Soothe with love. Babies need love, protection and comfort to thrive and Little Love Protecting Baby Skin Balm is formulated with that in mind. An urban-perfect balance of all-natural ingredients including neroli, shea butter, castor and sunflower oils, this organic baby balm moisturizes and protects delicate baby skin and creates a sense of calm for Little Loves. Smooth on to soothe away a diaper rash for a happy, relaxed baby and a happy you! $24. To purchase, click here.

Nurturing Baby Massage Oil

Massage with love. Little Love Nurturing Baby Massage Oil is formulated specifically to nourish and protect baby’s skin. With neroli and rosehip oil to nurture and calm this soothing oil is perfect after baby’s bath. Using this oil is a relaxing way for mommy and baby to bond and a great way to protect a baby’s skin from the harsh winter elements. $35. To purchase, click here.

{Disclosure: I was provided samples of Orico London Little Love Baby to facilitate my review. However, all opinions are my own}

Minimergency Kits for Moms: a perfect product from Pinch Provisions

January 26, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

JANUARY 2014

: Photo Courtesy of Pinch Provisions.

To begin the New Year with the first of my Style Posts, I wanted to share a product with you that I absolutely love! It’s the Minimergency Kit by Pinch Provisions.

No one needs a Minimergency® Kit more than a mom. The Minimergency Kit for Moms contains anything a mom might need…IN A PINCH®. Includes 17 must-haves: lip balm, breath freshener, dental floss, emery board, clear elastics, earring backs, mending kit, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, caffeine gum, facial tissues, adhesive bandages, hand sanitizing towelettes, thermometer, mini crayon set, and the smallest deck of playing cards you’ve ever seen. The sporty chic pouch features white transparent mesh and a black zipper. Measures 3.5″ x 2 ” x 2″. Pinch Provisions offers a large variety of Minimergency Kits for everyone including: Moms, Girls, Teachers, Bridesmaids, Brides, College Students, Grooms, Men, etc. Not only is this the perfect little pouch to carry around in your tote, gym bag or handbag–it is absolutely the perfect gift for everyone in your life. Click here for more information or how to purchase a Minimergency Kit for yourself or a loved one.

{Disclosure: The Minimergency Kit was gifted by Behrman Communications/Pinch Provisions in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. }

Business Spotlight: Phoenix Fitness (A New Boutique Fitness Studio in Ballston)

January 21, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Stephen Kidd.

Boutique fitness studios are booming right now. And Phoenix Fitness is one of the latest fitness studios to open in Arlington. Phoenix Fitness , located in the Ballston area, offers high intensity interval training without the intimidation factor of big box gyms. The emphasis on small classes and motivating instructors will put fitness newbies at ease while offering up a challenging workout for all fitness levels. My favorite class offered at Phoenix Fitness is Tabata and emphasizes functional exercises, total body toning and high intensity interval training that will whip you into shape in no time. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Stephen Kidd, one of the owners of Phoenix Fitness. [Read more...]

January 2014 Business Spotlight: MagnifiCuffs Marcia Sheehan

January 13, 2014 by Angelica 1 Comment

Photo by Julie Fischer McCarter of Photo Shoot Inc.

Photo by Julie Fischer McCarter of Shoot Photo Inc.

Photo by Marcia Sheehan

JANUARY 2014 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: MagnifiCuffs (Mompreneur Marcia Sheehan)

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Marcia Sheehan, a Mompreneur and Mommy blogger at a Mom’s Night Out Event hosted by Micaela Willamson of Go Kid Trips. This woman has so much energy and enormous passion that within one minute of meeting her, I asked if she would mind sharing her entrepreneurial spirit with the readers of ClarendonMoms. I had an opportunity to interview Marcia and find out exactly what she and her company MagnifiCuffs is all about. [Read more...]

Clarendon Moms 2014 Guide To Preschools in North Arlington Virginia

January 12, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

2014 GUIDE TO PRESCHOOLS & CHILDCARE CENTERS IN NORTHERN ARLINGTON

(Clarendon Moms Official List) [Read more...]

Top 6 Restaurants: Where Kids Eat For FREE (A Clarendon Moms Guide)

January 12, 2014 by Angelica Leave a Comment

I’ve strolled up and down Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard at least a hundred times pushing my two kids in their double stroller or red wagon and dining at various restaurants. However, I’ve never bothered to look at the “Specials” on the chalkboards outside of the restaurants let alone inquire about “specials for kids” once inside the restaurant. That is, until earlier this week. My three year old son and I were enjoying the 40 degree January weather while walking to go pick up my five year old daughter from Kindergarten when a sign outside of The Hard Times Cafe practically jumped out at me. It read “KIDS EAT FREE ALL DAY MONDAY & TUESDAY”. What? What? What?! Really? Were my eyes playing tricks on me? As I’m smiling like a stressed out mom getting a day of pampering in a luxury day spa, I suddenly realized I’d never seen this before in Clarendon. I was a little shocked and I didn’t quite understand why I was so pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it was because of the sheer amount of restaurants in the neighborhood that seem to cater towards singletons and the double income/no kids crowd or those that care nothing about a bargain. Most restaurants in the Clarendon-Courthouse area DO offer Kids Meals. However, I’ve never seen a sign offering up “Free Meals” and I now know it’s because I never paid attention and I’ve never ever thought to look for it. After Logan and I picked up Ella, we met up with one of my gal pals and enjoyed a nice lunch for 4 at The Hard Times Cafe. There was so much food, we left with doggy bags”. And the best thing about it: It was a whopping $22 before tip. I’m still in heaven thinking about how great the food was and how much fun we had, not to mention–the bargain!

This experience inspired me to call up the 30+ Restaurants we have from the Clarendon-Courthouse area all the way to Ballston and Rosslyn. These are my Top 6 Restaurants Offering “Kids Eat Free Specials”. Happy Dining! [Read more...]

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