VirtuArte — Handcrafted with love

Never a dull moment over here — mostly everyday mamá stuff which is about a million different things. I'm continuing to do freelance writing work, unpack this house and get set up, spend time with my babies and trying to keep it all under control.

I suppose when you want something you just do it, but I have now got to the point where I need childcare and fast! I am looking at different options and hopefully something will come through. This is all part of my very busy mamá life! I don't want anyone to think it's easy — because IT'S NOT.

With all that said, you know I like to introduce you to new products and services — especially one like VirtuArte, a site founded by a Washington, D.C. local on the premise that there is a market for unique art, folk art and fine crafts and curios from the developing world in the US, Europe and other high income countries.

A selection of handmade items from VirtuArte including the Cerrado Flower Choker as seen on latinamom.me

Having worked at the World Bank myself on development projects in Latin America and seeing first hand how women in South Africa post apartheid are becoming self-made entrepreneurs, the mission of VirtuArte of helping artists and artisans (who are mostly women and moms) create a market for their work really spoke to me — especially as a working parent.

Handmade Embroidered Wallet from Indonesia by Laga Designs International

The site offers hand crafted items such as handbags, jewelry, home decor and scarves from countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia — including this breathtaking red and white embroidered wallet from Indonesia.

Aside from each item featuring a description of how and when it was made there is also a short bio on the artist who made it which gives customers background and truly drives home the message that the item was handcrafted with love and care.

The wallet is stunning and the embroidery detail is beyond impressive. When I opened the package I felt I was opening a handmade gift from a friend — it's just that special. Each design is committed to memory and hand guided — no templates or stencils are used which means no two are alike.

Most of the artists are women and moms and I felt compeled as a woman who is working to do good by my family to highlight the work of these brilliant artists doing the same for their families. I hope you will support them in their journey.

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Disclosure: I was sent the embroidered wallet to personally experience VirtuArte and for this review. No other compensation given. All opinions my own.

Moving to WordPress...

We moved to a new house and in two weeks our lives have changed drastically — for the better. My son has space to run and move and I, well, I feel less trapped and less stressed. I feel the same is true for this blog. I started on Blogger in 2010 and it's time to say chao chao and move on.

This blog is moving to WordPress. There I said it.

I am putting it in writing so that I will actually DO it.

I have had this on my list of things to do since last year. Why I didn't start on WordPress the first time around is beyond me. I think it was more a comfort thing — I knew Blogger inside and out, it was my security blanket. But I've outgrown this platform and it's time for Very Busy Mamá to get a much needed makeover and take it to the next level. My mind is already there and I have to take my site with me.

So there you have it, big changes coming up. Anyway, I leave you with a few posts from Disney Baby, my favorite beauty post from this week, two giveaways for those of you in the D.C. area and just so this blog post isn't without an image, here are four of my favorite very busy mamá moments from this week!

Not even out of the driveway and M was begging for "cold air" | Watering our garden with L sleeping away
M and L playing "baby" on the bed | M and I wearing shades with 'stashes at the $5 store

Disney Baby
How Can You Resist A Sweet Sleeping Baby? Quotes and saying about...sleeping babies
Little L's Diary: I Know My Brother Loves Me!
Ten Reasons To Love Tummy Time

Giveaways
Enter to win 50% off a photography session with Becky A. Gardner
Enter to win a cut and blowdry from Salon 46 in Alexandria

Very Busy Beauty
BB Cream EXPLAINED!
Enchanted Garden Collection by ARTISTRY

Happy Saturday everyone. I'm off to NYC with the Mr. — on a CHILDFREE roadtrip.

¡besos!

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Busy mama hair — short, warm and wavy at Salon 46

A few weeks ago at a local event for the Kid Trips book launch I met Cindy, mama of 3 and owner and stylist at Salon 46 in Old Town, Alexandria. I lived RIGHT around the corner and had driven by the salon many times. 

I didn't know anything about her services, if she was good or not (she is!) but I instantly was drawn to Salon 46 and I emailed her to set up a time to get my hair cut and colored. I didn't hesitate.

Why? 

Because I met her in person. That's it. She was real. We talked about our children, how we manage our businesses and family and how we never get enough sleep. She understood me and I understood her.

But here's the thing, I have never had "my stylist." For years I have been searching for one, but every hair cut takes me to a new location desperately seeking a hair love connection. 

Two weeks ago, my search came to an end when I sat down in Cindy's chair and before talking about what color I wanted or how short, she asked "tell me what your day as a mom is like..." 

She wanted to know about me — what my needs were, what I am willing to manage, how long I have to get ready in the morning, etc. Based on that we talked color and cut. 

Cindy co-owns the salon with her sister which is located at 512 N. Henry Street in Alexandria and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The best part (besides great service) the salon has FREE private parking! Most are put off coming into Old Town because of the street parking, but here you can roll up, park, get pretty and head on out without having to worry to feed the meter or risk a ticket. 

As for me, I told Cindy that I was willing to put more time into my hair, because if all else fails — no makeup, sleep deprived, etc. I can still feel confident with great looking locks. So in the end we went with short, warm and wavy. 

A few days after getting it cut — using contour creme to style and work the waves!

Short —  just to take a chance and change up my look.

Warm —  to get rid of the uneven highlights I had and give me a cleaner and neater look. She did an all over color then  added caramel highlights with a slight ombre look at the ends. It's very subtle and very natural looking. My roots won't be screaming LOOK AT ME when they grow out.

Wavy —  I realized I have a bit of a natural wave in there, and with shorter hair it is easier to style and play with. I rarely get a chance to completely dry my hair so using Bumble & bumble Contour Creme as she suggested really lets me work the messy/beach waves look.

Quick tips for mamas: Cindy suggests using Bumble & bumble hair powder for second and third day hair (similar to dry shampoo). As moms some days getting a shower feels like a major accomplishment so we don't have time to wash AND style our hair. The hair powder absorbs the extra oil, put body back into your hair and help preserve hair color from fading as fast. Also, moms need to learn to embrace their natural texture — with the right cut and products you can work some magic and have great style!

GIVEAWAY

Knowing that so many of you are busy mamas or just busy in general, Cindy and Salon 46 are offering one reader a free cut and blowdry.

Come to Old Town, meet Cindy, get your hair done, have lunch and enjoy a day for yourself! Believe me, it's worth it and the fact is we all need some TLC. However, if you can't manage a sitter, no worries! Cindy has a little corner for kids and plenty of space to fit in a sleeping baby in a stroller. The point is, you are all welcomed!

Good luck and here's to fabulous summer hair!

One entry per person. Ends Friday May 31st at 11:59pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Enter to win 50% off a family photo session with Becky A. Gardner Photography (Northern Virginia)

Disclosure: I was given a complimentary cut and color and the Bumble and bumble Contour Creme for the purpose of a review and giveaway. No other compensation given. All views, opinions and hair styling my own!

¡Me encanta! ARTISTRY Enchanted Garden Collection

I'm a budget conscious mamá, but I also know that buying something because it's less expensive and of a lesser quality is only going to cost me more in the long run (I learned that lesson with a cheap curling iron, ended up costing more getting a new one!)

I invest in quality items when I deem them necessary and that sometimes includes makeup. I mix high and low end products — I shop at CVS (read my BB Cream recommendations), but every once in a while I splurge and hit my local department store counter or Sephora (yes, that's HIGH end for me!)

Some time last year I was introduced to the ARTISTRY by Amway. Yes, you read right — AMWAY. I know! Last I had heard they were into cleaning products and household goods, but not any more. Apparently times have changed and so have they.

I had been given their face creams and just around the time Little L was born in January they were launching their Spring 2013 Enchanted Garden Collection— which truly in a word is... delectable. Amazing quality, beautiful packaging and makeup that makes you look flawless.

I have to give you the details on on ARTISTRY — you'll be surprised just as I was!

The brand itself is a global leader in premium beauty and is among the world's top five, largest-selling skincare brands and among the world's top 10 largest selling premium cosmetic brands. My eyes literally widened when I heard that...who knew? It is also the official skincare and cosmetics provider of Miss America. The range is sold exclusively through Amway distributors, like other direct sales or online.

Okay now back looking pretty — what I really went gaga over in this range was the Water Eye Color Trio. It's liquid eye shadow that goes on dry.

Color: Bronzed Shell

It's simply AMAZING! I have never seen anything like it. It looks like it would smear off, but after it's on your skin it stays put and LOOKS moist. The eyeshadows come in a three pack, and the lip gloss is a duo.

The collection also includes the smoothest eye pencil my lids have ever experienced and I mean that — eyeliners tend to be hard on my eyes and I rarely use them. The other items in the collection are the Sheer Cheek blush which are hand-made, baked mineral colors. This is seriously high-end quality makeup and I'd place ARTISTRY right up there with Bobbi and Laura (you know what I'm talking about).

Make sure to check out the rest of the color and other products on the ARTISTRY site and let me know what you think.

Have you tried this before?

¡besos!


Disclosure: I have a an on-going relationship with Amway and Artistry. I was sent the Enchanted Garden collection for review. No other compensation given and all views are my own. But you know that!

Newborn photo shoot with Becky A. Gardner Photography

Little L is midway into her three months of life. THREE MONTHS!

I'm not sure if time has flown by to be honest — it's going just right and I'm enjoying every minute and each and every day is a new challenge trying to manage two children. Naturally I take way too many pictures (what mama doesn't?!) and when local Northern Virginia photographer Becky Gardner asked me to photograph a newborn Little L I excitedly responded "Yes!"

We as a family have never had professional photos taken and we never had any taken of our son so this was mega for us. A mama to four year old Sophia and two year old Henry, an entrepreneur and a prior military spouse, Becky knows a thing or two about being a very busy mama and doing what she loves while providing for the family. 

Two weeks after the babe arrived and on one of THE coldest days of the year (I'm not kidding, the winds could freeze you in place) Becky arrived at our little apartment ready to get snapping. 

Little M was in no mood for the camera but Becky was prepared with tricks to get him smiling! And Little L, well she just kind of went with the flow. 

Our apartment was (we've moved!) very small and we didn't have the best light, but Becky found ways to make it work — we even braved the cold wind and took a few outside. Don't worry, the baby was super bundled!

Here are some sweet pics of the day:

Love the smile on the Mr's face!

Proud big brother!

A rare shot — he finally looked at the lens.

Sweet sweet baby feet!

Who can resist that double chin?

I asked Becky to detail how she works, how to book her for a session and most importantly — how she takes her coffee!

Areas she covers: I work throughout Northern Virginia, though there is a travel fee of $20 beyond 20 miles from my home (in Herndon, Va).

How to book a session: Email BeckyAGardner@gmail.com,  call 571-480-3020 or leave comment on her site.

How it works: All of my sessions include an in-depth consultation so I can find out what makes your family work, offer outfit suggestions, and create a "vision" for the session. 

Packages: I offer maternity and newborn packages, as well as a "grow with me" package throughout baby's first year. My session fees start at $150 and there is a 20% discount to past and current service members. 

How she takes her coffee: I literally have a cup in hand within 30 seconds of being downstairs in the morning. It is my lifeline. I like super dark roast, with just a splash of soy milk to cool it down. 

I love that Becky makes you feel at ease and has great ideas for impromptu shots (like when a certain four year old would NOT look at the camera), doesn't rush through the session and works with your ideas to make sure everything fits with your family style. 

Becky is offering all readers of this blog a 10% discount on their first session — you can also enter to win 50% off!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ends Monday May 27th at 11:59pm

¡Buena suerte!

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Enter another D.C. Area Giveaway: Win a free cut and style from Salon 46 in Alexandria and get summer ready with a new look!

Disclosure: I am working with Becky Gardner on a series of photo shoots. My family and I received this session free of charge for review of services.

BB Cream EXPLAINED!

As I mentioned earlier, I gave myself a mini-break and headed to Getting Gorgeous in NYC a few weeks ago. Sponsored by CVS Extra Care Beauty Club, I was introduced to new beauty products including that oh-so-talked-about BB Cream. 

Heard of it? Probably. 

Know what it is? Mmm, not really. 

I got to talking with one of the CVS beauty specialists and I finally got the 411 on BB Cream.

What is BB Cream?
BB stands for Beauty (or Blemish) Balm. Simple as that. It's basically a tinted moisturizer times 100! It is an all in one product that includes: sunscreen, primer, concealer, moisturizer, illuminator, foundation and powder. It is made to simplify beauty routines creating a smoother and more even texture and tone. Honesty, it's a mama's best friend.

How much do they cost?
Depending on the brand, prices can range from $7 to $50.

Best BB Creams? I've been using the CVS Brand of BB Cream with SPF 15 at $9.99 — substantially less than the leading brands. I've also used Nuance Salma Hayek Brightening BB Cream at $15. Some are creams are more lightweight than others — I suggest always testing them out first.

How to use BB Cream?
I'll tell you how I use it because I don't think these is right or wrong way. Even though it has moisturizer my skin is a bit drier and I still use my regular daily moisturizer first then apply the BB Cream. I apply evenly all over my face, then go back and dab a bit extra under the tired eyes for added coverage. Depending on the kind of day, I will either leave it at that or go on and do blush and mascara.

Very Busy Mamá Final Say
¡Me encanta! Worth it! My budget doesn't go past $12 for BB Cream so consider CVS Brand, Rimmel, Revlon, L'Oreal, and Garnier. Does what is says, and for me, it saves time and money on other products. Was skeptical before, but I am a believer now.

And hang tight — there are also CC Creams and DD Creams. No, I'm not kidding — Color Correction and Daily Defense. Haven't dabbled in those yet, but you know I'm going to give them a try!

What do you think — is the all in one worth it to you? What is your favorite?

Follow me on Disney Baby for all things...baby and on Instagram and Facebook — don't miss daily beauty and style mini-reviews and behind the scene pictures. Hashtags #verybusybeauty #verybusystyle


Disclosure: I received different brands of BB Cream from CVS when I attended Getting Gorgeous. However, I was not required to review or post. These are my own views and recommendations.

Getting Gorgeous with CVS Beauty in the Big Apple

I'm back! As some of you know I took time off last week to pack up our little apartment and get ready for the move to a HOUSE. This is MAJOR for us here at the Very Busy Familia — my husband hasn't lived in a house since he was a child and I since 2004 so we are in for big changes.

But going back two weeks, I took the Vamoose Bus from Washington, D.C. to New York City to attend Very Sweeney and Audrey McClelland's Getting Gorgeous 2013 a small event/expo of beauty and lifestyle brands for women.

Normally I wouldn't travel 8 hours (roundtrip) for an event, but seeing that is was sponsored by CVS Extra Care Beauty Club, I thought "Why not?! A day alone in the Big Apple talking beauty....YES! " I left the niños with Oma and took off.

Of course I had to get gorgeous before leaving! Did my makeup using new Enchanted Garden Collection by Artistry Beauty (more on this soon!), wore my new Stella & Dot Carmen Necklace and got caffinated on the bus.

Taking place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan, there was a Bacardi bar with low calorie fruity drinks and brands very much in line with Very Busy Mamá such as Dial with their new kids wash (which exploded in my bag on the way home, but on the plus side smelled really good!), Tide, New Balance (who had a new range of super comfy and CUTE flats), Foster Grant sunglasses (budget friendly — all styles $30 and under), Thyme Maternity and my new favorite baby brand Stokke just to name a few.

A little later when I was standing at the CVS Beauty bar/salon when I literally bumped into Jill of Glamamom. We looked at each other like "I know you..." and we got to chatting. It's always great to meet your fellow fashion and beauty bloggers in person and her little guy is super cute!

However the highlights of my day included actually putting my hands on a Stokke stroller — I know! I had never really tried one out and I got to test out their new, smaller and compact stroller the Scoot. After talking strollers and babies,  I made my way over to get my hair curled at the Conair station.

Now, I've been out of the country for a few years, but in that time CVS got....cool. I mean, their rewards are super generous and they carry brands that I would actually buy. I just got a CVS Extra Care Card after hearing other bloggers talk about it.

However, just having a CVS Extra Care card isn't enough — you have to separately sign up for the CVS Beauty Club (I didn't know this!) Here's why you NEED to become a CVS Beauty Club member:

• 10% off beauty shopping pass after enrollment
• $5 ExtraBucks Rewards for every $50 spent on beauty
• $3 ExtraBucks Reward on your birthday
• Exclusive emails with coupons, tips and new product information

Their selection is quite varied and a personal favorite is Nuance by Salma Hayek — it's a range by the Mexican actress including hair products (love the Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to maintain waves), makeup and nail polish. 

But what really impressed me was CVS's own brand...hello budget friendly beauty! I've been using their BB Cream which is substantially less than the leading brands and just as good ¡me encanta!

Yes it was a long and exhausting day, but the sun was shining and NYC was absolutely looking gorgeous that day. It felt great to have a mini-break and have some much needed alone time and get out there and personally speak with brands. 

Are you a member of the CVS Beauty Club? Are you a Stokke lover? Tell me what your favorite products are!

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