Sister Sister's Tia Mowry at Baby Bash Bling

Talk about a blast from the past.

Tia Mowry, one half the 90's sitcom Sister Sister was in town to attend Baby Bash Bling and promote her new book Oh, Baby! 

Photo: Ariella Faith

She's a mommy, fashionista and all around cuter than cute! But back to the show itself, Baby Bash Bling is the brainchild of Monica Byrd and is an interactive lifestyle expo that focuses on celebrating mamas to be. However, what really drew to me to attend the expo was their "Bump the Runway" fashion show.

Oh yes! There were beautiful bumps showing off different looks and it made me excited at the possibility of being pregnant soon (I'm trying!)

I did alright style wise the first time around, I wore lots of dresses, but towards the end I couldn't even wear my maternity clothes due to a massive weight gain after having pre-eclampsia. Eek! Not fun. And for the second time around I plan on being super mama chic!

The expo takes place twice a year, once in the Spring and again in Autumn. And it's not just in the Washington, DC area, but in Dallas, Atlanta and in Annapolis, Maryland.

Photos: Clarendon Moms and Weikerken

I was a bit disappointed we were not given Tia's book at the press launch, it would have been nice to have -  I'll have to get it on sale on Amazon. I did get to skim through it at the event and she talks about motherhood, personal style and learning to balance the old you with the new you as a mommy!

And in true blogger fashion, I didn't attend this event on my own (because that would be no fun at all. 

My chic mommy blogger friends Micaela from Super Nova Mommy and Angelica from Clarendon Moms were there and we may have enjoyed a much needed G&T....or two.

And of course I wanted to wear something comfy yet cute, so I pulled out some oldies but goodies:

Green Jeans  - Old Navy as seen all over this blog!

Pink how heeled pumps & striped top - Marks & Spencer as seen here

Pink blazer - Loft circa 2004 (newly shopped from my closet!)

Follow Baby Bash Bling on Facebook and Twitter @babybashbling

*I was invited to the press event and given two VIP tickets for the expo. All opinions my own*

Granny dots or chic polka dots?

I'm still amazed that I can wear colored jeans.

Really.

I haven't worn anything but black or dark blue jeans for years and suddenly 2012 has me conquering my fear of color and wearing all sorts of styles I never thought I could pull off.

But here I am, just a week ago at the Top Latina Blogger Retreat in Washington, DC (I was one of 70 selected to attend...woo hoo!) wearing...polka dots and brights. Together.

It may not be anything out of the ordinary, but I've never worn any kind of dots! I have always associated polka dots with older ladies, my Oma in particular and it wasn't on my list of wardrobe essentials.

Photo: Eventos VIP Pass Andy Ramírez

So how did I end up wearing it? A few weeks ago my mother was clearing out her closet and making her donation pile when she handed it to me. 

I may have actually jumped away from it. In fact, I sneered at it. I had seen it in her closet for years and I was not about to make it mine. But she insisted I try it on (as mamás do) and what do you know... it fit (it's a size 6 so that was amazing, but mind you the bottom button barely closes) and it didn't look bad at all. I stared at myself for a few minutes, then I thought, it's kind of cute and its fitted so it accentuates my new waist. 

And that's when the granny dots, I mean polka dots won me over!

Photos: Eventos VIP Pass Andy Ramírez

As far as the jeans go, these were the first ever pair of brights I bought which I have worn many, many times and shared on this blog. Now with my 20 lbs weight loss, they are sagging a bit and I just have to make sure to wear a belt that will actually HOLD them up. 

At the retreat I wore the blouse on the first night with a dark blue pencil skirt and then again on the last day. I mean, if it ain't broke...right? I had a good look going for me.

Nothing from this look is new, and of course, given my six years in the UK most of my styles have a mix of the British High Street and US retailers.

Jeans - Primark as seen here

Flats - Marks & Spencer as seen here

Blouse - my mamás closet "vintage" Macy's

Belt - Primark as seen all over this blog

Necklace - Stella & Dot Femme Fatale from stylist Kristin Biggs

And if you read my post about learning to accept my body (if you didn't you should) you will know why styling is very important for me. I am at a place in my life that I only thought was possible for the single and super thin. I never, ever imagined I'd be sharing my looks and encouraging others, especially mothers to dig through their closets, put together new looks and take fashion chances no matter what your size or budget. 

So yes, these "Ah Ha" style moments are a big deal for me. I do hope you enjoy and take some inspiration from them! And if you want some help or have a question let me know - I'm also on Facebook where I post daily pictures and other ideas that don't make this blog.

Have you discovered a new look lately? Are you wearing something you NEVER thought you could pull off and now you are strutting your stuff all over town? 

Sharing my look with Transatlantic Blonde

Trendy Toddler: Pool side fun

Okay, so I'm cheating a little today.

I actually have some great pictures of Little M in his very best pool side attire, but you know when you just aren't "feeling" your post? So I chucked the pictures of his sunscreen, floaties, flip flops and towel and opted for this one instead...

Little M sitting pool side, enjoying his chocolate milk and wearing mami's hat. He was re-fueling after splashing around in the baby pool and playing under the very strong hot sun. Let me tell you the sunblock police (me!) was out in full force!

I must say, he does look very cute and super stylish walking around the pool in his striped hat and green shark floaties.

For a three year old who was never exposed to water (sorry, I never took him swimming in the UK) he is certainly making up for lost time. He LOVES the water and yesterday he did the typical "come and get me mami" when it was time to go home. He just sat in the middle of the kids pool and wouldn't come out.

Talk about embarrassing.

Besides, we have to enjoy the sun as much as we can because we are heading to Chile for six week on June 19th and it being in the southern hemisphere and all, it's the middle of winter!

Our other pool side essentials:

Spray on, no rub, waterproof and tear free kids SPF 50

Striped hat to avoid insulation and scalp burns from Target as seen here

Sunuva swimshorts - which are a total hit! as seen here

Water shoes to avoid scrapes in the baby pool - all of his toes are sore!

Floaties to practice swimming as seen here

Mami's Fedora hat from Target as seen here

So how's the summer looking where you are? 

Show us what the mini trendsetters in your life are wearing!

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Happy summer!

Hips, thighs & cellulite | Learning to accept my body

Look at her, she's got a big tummy, but no cellulite and super long legs. 

Oh, she has big thighs, but a tiny waist. 

Hey, another girl with wide hips and heavy bottom...

Some of my thoughts as I watched women walk by at the pool this weekend. I am obsessed with the female body and here's why.

I have always been gordita or chubby. Always. I don't have a thin frame, and when I do lose weight, I still have hips and thighs. I will however say, that I have learned how to hide the problem areas and dress for my body type.

I have struggled with my weight and my body image since I can remember. I missed out on years of pool side fun, beach parties with friends and I spent many summers sitting fully dressed and sweating under an umbrella because I could not, or rather would not dare put on a swimsuit. I was angry at myself, I was angry at the world and I was humiliated and made fun of more times than I can count.

But hang on...don't leave yet. This isn't a pity post, or an attempt to get compliments. NO. I just want you my readers to understand where I am coming from. Every blogger has a story and I have never given you mine. 

This was was no accident. I purposely started this blog to show that fashion and style is not only for the young, thin and childless. I wanted to show real everyday style, real struggles, real looks from a 5ft tall, size 12 (US) mamá with hips, thighs and cellulite (and a major budget).

This blog is my therapy. I realized, that I will never, ever be satisfied and happy with myself unless I make it happen. Unless I let go of all of my insecurities and body issues and JUST MOVE ON! I really do believe that every woman, no matter what their size should look and feel amazing.

Wearing a swimsuit for first time in six years. Not perfect, but happy!

My teen years (and beyond) were spent trying to lose weight. Every September I would have panic attacks before going back to school because I was still fat.  Every year I swore I would lose weight, and every year I didn't. On the overnight flight to Chile every year, I would sit awake at night damning myself for not being in better shape. I would dream of landing in Santiago 40 lbs lighter and everyone congratulating me on how amazing I looked. That never happened.

I loved the winter. I could cover up, wear big jackets and sweaters. I have had "ligther" years, like when I trained for a marathon and then when we lived in London I maintained pretty well. Yet I was still considered "heavy" by the GP. I have never been less than a size 8 US and when I got pregnant with Little M I was thrilled, but the only thing I could think of was my weight gain and how long it would take me to lose it (I gained 50 lbs).

My mother got tired of listening to me complain and always putting myself down. One day she blurted out (in Spanish) "Yes! You are fat. You gained a lot. Now go, and buy yourself a size 20 dress if you need to and look good in it. Being gorda does NOT give you the excuse to not look your best". With that, she made me get up off the sofa, wash my hair, put on makeup and wear something, anything other than the black yoga pants I had been living in. Mind you, this was not a few weeks after giving birth. This was MONTHS afterwards.

It's been three years, I am still trying to find the right balance in my life. I have been on Medifast since late February and lost 20 lbs. And you know what? I'm still gordita! I have cellulite that won't go away. I have big thighs and wide hips and my arms flap a bit when I move them.

But...I feel like a supermodel. For real. Hey I'm Very Busy Mamá and I'm not afraid to show it!

This is an old maternity dress that I'm wearing as a cover up for the pool! 

Hat, sunnies and sandals from Target - Each under $15

Dress from Motherhood

This weekend, for the first time in six years I not only wore a bathing suit, but a bikini. My body is NO WHERE near perfect and maybe not even bikini ready, but I didn't care. It's how I felt that allowed me to wear it. I am still not 100% confident, but I am working on it. 

I need to stop searching for the impossible and be happy with me. We are trying for another baby and starting at a lower weight I believe will benefit me during the pregnancy and avoid all the nasty problems such as pre-eclampsia I had the first time around. It is inevitable that I will gain weight with another pregnancy, but I hope to avoid the self loathing and pity party.

There are far too many smart, professional, beautiful women that I know (and mamas in particular) who still need to learn to love themselves. I have my bad days, but I believe we need to support and encourage each other to just get out there and look and feel our best at any size.

I am what a REAL woman looks like. A REAL mamá. Size 8-10 in the best of days. Mostly 12, sometimes more.

Don't wait to lose 40 lbs - that might not happen. Look and feel good now. CONFIDENCE is your best accessory.


{Want to contribute and share your story? I'd love to hear from you. Let's talk! Email me majoseovalle AT gmail DOT com}

*All sizes are US*

Top bloguera style in Washington, D.C.

I tried to be super serious about my Top Latina Blogger retreat post, but it wasn't working out. You know me, I kind of give you the fun recaps and throw in my take on things.

Truth is, it all happened rather quickly and I didn't even have time to process it all.

I had applied for the opportunity to attend a retreat for the most influential Latina bloggers in the US only a few weeks ago. Then at the end of last week I received the news that I was ONE of 70 selected to attend the first ever Top Latina Blogger retreat in Washington, D.C organized by Latina Bloggers Connect and Latinos in Social Media (LATISM).

And yes, I did worry about what I was going to wear. After all, dress to impress, right?!

So why the White House? There are many issues affecting Hispanic Americans in the US such as education and health and the Office of Public Engagement knows that we as women and mom bloggers are the voice of a community and have the power to create awareness and make a difference.

When I heard that I thought, "Ummmm, I wonder if they realize I blog about fashion and personal style?" But I learned it's about what sets YOU apart and how you communicate and influence your audience.

My voice, my story
I care very much about my personal appearance, but also helping others feel good about themselves, especially moms. I know what it's like to feel terrible about oneself and live with self hate. I was lucky to have my mamá help and guide me to learn to love and accept myself just as I am.

I like to show that being interested in fashion and style does NOT make you shallow or that it's only for the young and thin. We should all look the best we can look no matter what our size, age or budget. Having always struggled with my weight, been made fun of, been on endless diets and felt humiliated in school, I know how many women feel.

Personal style and self esteem are an important part of life - especially because if we don't love and accept ourselves it is very difficult for others to do so. And as moms, we need to set good examples for our children.

Am I right or am I RIGHT?!

So, what did I end up wearing? I took several options because I didn't have the chance to really try anything on at home.

Mariana Pérez of The Domestic Buzz (and fellow Medifast blogger) and 
Maybelline Valenti of Naturlamente Mamá (and my roomie!)

On the first evening, we had a speed networking event and I wore my blue MNG skirt, red Primark belt, Marks & Spencer pink and purple low heeled pumps, a black and tan polka dot blouse I found in my mom's closet (imagine that!) and my Stella & Dot Femme Fatale necklace - nothing new.

The day of the briefing, I ended up with a blue and white dress from belk, white and black polka dot heels from Aerosoles, an old blazer I found in a suitcase in my attic from Loft circa 2004 and my Femme Fatale Necklace.

We were allowed to tweet and take pictures, however we did not get to meet the First Lady. Truth be told, we were just happy to be there. How could we not be?!

A major highlight was having one of my tweets make it onto The White House's Office of Public Engagement blog - how cooooool is that?

There are more images of the event and lots more stylish bloguera styles on my Facebook page!

So what do you think, was my look Presidential enough?

Trendy Toddler...sort of

Ahhhhhhhhh! So much going on! But it's a very happy busy.

I have been at the Top Latina Blogger retreat since Sunday evening (more coming soon!) which means Little M has been with his papi, which means.....I've got nothing for my little man's trendy toddler update.

The only picture I can share is this one of him getting "inked" after digging around my swag bag from the Baby Bash Bling expo on Saturday - thankfully we were on our way to a local fountain and it washed off!

 
However, I wanted to thank all of you who do participate week after week and show so much support to my blog and the love and dedication you have to the mini trendsetters in your life....so gracias, gracias gracias!

The linky is below so PLEASE go ahead and link up. Alex of Medicated Follower of Fashion will be hosting a few Trendy Toddlers this summer, so keep your eyes peeled. 

The link up rules

1. Display our badge on your post or blog and link back to us. I ask that you please do this :) 

Grab the button,

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3. Please comment after you leave your link 

4. Visit other blogs and remember link is open through Saturday

I'm off to the WHITE HOUSE

Guess where I am?

In a hotel room.

In Washington, DC.

A few blocks away from the Presidents casa.

Don't worry, I haven't thrown in the towel and left my boys. Noooooooo! 

I have been selected as one of 70 top Hispanic women bloggers in the US to attend a special retreat here in the nations capital organized by Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) and the fabulous ladies of Latina Bloggers Connect. Bloggers were selected based on traffic, influence and the quality of content.

We have been encouraged to put tweeting on hold for a day, focus on our long term goals as bloggers and entrepreneurs. Really taking the time to dig deep and decide what path we want to take in our life and take full advantage of the sponsors and our mentors who are here to help us realize our goals. A "mini MBA" of sorts. 

And the excitement levels don't end there...tomorrow (Monday) we will be at the White House for a special meeting where is there is chance we could meet the First Lady herself, Michelle Obama.

Tonight my twitter stream came to life as I met bloggers in the flesh. Let me just say it was like meeting all my favorite celebrities. Needles to say, this has given me a massive boost of confidence, especially as I've been feeling lost within the blogging world after leaving my very comfy network of blog friends in the UK. So it was about time I got back into the game!

And style wise, I'm still figuring out what to wear, but what I do know for sure is that the White House had better get ready.

First there was Jackie O, then Michelle O, but now, it's Maria J.O.


P.S. How do you like the animal print robe the hotel had for us? So on trend!

Trendy Toddler: petiteBox

This week I am very excited to bring you a review of petiteBox.

Much like GlossyBox and Birchbox where you are sent a box of beauty products each month to try, petiteBox is a mom and baby box full of premier products tailored to each stage of your pregnancy and development of your child.

Now, before you get excited, there is nothing baking just yet, but I would very much like there to be. We are working on growing the family and when I received my box today it brought back all those "baby" memories...and I think I'm ready to do it all over again.

For $25 a month (you can cancel your subscription at any time) you get 4-7 items personalized to to meet your needs and stage in pregnancy. I admit, I was a skeptic, but if you think of everything you buy before your baby is born and then during, the price is reasonable.

You could say it is part of the "nesting" we do before hand. I personally like trying products and with PetiteBox you get a chance to experience products that you may otherwise have never come across or even thought of buying.

I do feel the Weleda products were too "samply" sized and that they should be a bit bigger. Other than that, everything else was well sized including the Earth Friendly bubble bath, the soft blankie, set of two MAM dummies/pacifiers and a pack of cleansing towelettes from MD Moms.

The box itself is of great quality and can be re-used for storage or as decorative piece for your room or bathroom.


Right now, petiteBox have a special promo code valid through the 31st of May to receive 20% your subscription. Just use LAUNCH2012SF at www.petitebox.us


So what do you think? Is it something you would consider? I think a subscription makes a great present for a new mom - the boxes are tailored for babies up to their first birthday. I definitely like it!


Now back to our regularly scheduled Trendy Toddler! You know what to do...


The link up rules

1. Display our badge on your post or blog and link back to us. I ask that you please do this :) 

Grab the button,

show your style and link to us!

<a href="http://www.verybusymamablog.com/p/kids-fashion-trendy-toddler-link-up.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h469/mummysbusyworld/TrendyToddlerTuesdayMummysBusyWorldBadge-1.jpg" " target="_blank"><img src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h469/mummysbusyworld/TrendyToddlerTuesdayMummysBusyWorldBadge-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket"></a>

2. Don't be shy, tweet me to let me know you have linked up so I can RT @verybusymama

3. Please comment after you leave your link 

4. Visit other blogs and remember link is open through Saturday


Keep an eye out because Very Busy Mamá has teamed up with Alex of Medicated Follower of Fashion to co-host Trendy Toddler Tuesdays. We are working out the details, but don't you worry, we will let you know where the party will be each week!

beso

*I was not compensated for this review but I was sent a complimentary petiteBox. All views my own*

{Vlog} Let me SHOW you what I love...

Sometimes I don't want to write about what I love, I want to SHOW you what I love. So that's just what I did in this little video review compilation.

This week I'm talking about shapewear tights ShaToBu (which you will see I can't pronounce), Sunuva Swimwear, all natural and "no nasties" Cosmetiques Laudun and my favorite Stella & Dot pieces given to me by stylist Kristin Biggs.

So hit play and enjoy!

P.S. I lied, I will be using the ShaToBu tight again sooner rather than later - I'm off to Chile for six weeks in June and it's winter in the Southern hemisphere. I'm going to need to bundle up and look good doing it!

Anything you particularly liked? Or didn't?

Follow on Twitter
@lauduncosmetics
@sunuva_
@ShaToBu
@NovaFashionWeek
@KristinBiggs

Follow on Facebook
Kristin Biggs, Stella & Dot Stylist
Cosmetiques Laudun
Sunuva Swimwear
ShaToBu
Nova Fashion Week


*All products were sent to me for the purpose of a review. All views and opinions my own. Stella & Dot Festival 'Til Dawn necklace was purchased by my mother*

Medifast: Getting "un-stuck"

¡Hola! Very Busy Mamá checking in. I haven't forgotten you lovely readers, it's just been a busy few weeks.  

As many of you know, I've been on Medifast since the end of February to lose weight to have a healthier second pregnancy (yes, we are baking!)

I continue to exercise and make healthy choices and really manage my portion control, everything that Medifast has helped me achieve. 

But I got stuck. And I'm talking MEGA stuck. Like only a weight loss of 2 lbs in a month and a half. I started sneaking in other foods not on the plan and it all went bottoms up. 

I think it was also a mental thing more than anything and thanks to the support from my nutritionist Meredith and behavioral therapist Nick I was able to break past the "plateau" and I've lost another 5 lbs after not making any progress in over a month. 

It all went a little something like this...

And if you are on a weight loss journey, even if its 10, 15, 20 lbs or more and want to have a go with Medifast, they have a fantastic customer saving program and you can use my coupon code:  BUSYMAMA56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage. Also when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! 

Here are the details:

For your first order of $250+, use my code, and enroll in Medifast Advantage to receive 28 free meals. 

Do the same on your next order and you’ll receive ANOTHER 28 free meals! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes. Sorry!

If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I'll answer it in my next post and mention your site. And if I can't answer it I'll make sure to get someone from the Medifast team to help you out.  

I've lost 16 lbs so far and the feeling is incredible! Summer is coming and the pools open in a few weeks and I *think* I may actually be able to wear a bikini for the first time in 7 years (last time was on my honeymoon) or at the very least feel more confident with my body being exposed - even if it's in a one piece.

The Mr. still can't believe his eyes!!

besos

--

*I am an official Medifast Blogger. I am provided with Medifast meals, a support team with a nutritionist, therapist and access to an online community free of charge in exchange for blogging/vlogging my progress.. I am not compensated in any other way. ALL views, opinions and especially the will power are my own*

Cake Pops, Cupcakes & Cookies — Oh My!

FO & Tell with Francisca Ovalle

I am proud to report I know some of the coolest and most creative people in New York City. Not only are they fun, but they're informative and inspiring, too — that's why I write about them!


This week's post is a Q&A dedicated to my awesome friend and recent birthday girl, Chloe Mandoukos (formerly García). She and I went to Fordham University up in the Bronx and became close when we spent a semester abroad together. Barcelona, Spain took us on adventures in traveling, eating and speaking Spanish, and as it turns out, influenced Chloe's passion and art — baking. Below we chat about how she got started in the craft and how she’s turned her talent into a business.

Happy Birthday, Miss Chloe!

FO:  How long ago did you get into baking?


CM:  I started baking in junior high, attempting to make homemade cookies with a toaster oven. That was before I understood ingredients, so I just threw flour and water with chocolate chips into a mixing bowl. Back then my peers played my guinea pigs; today they still remind me of all the times I made them eat my burnt, rock hard cookies.


It wasn’t until high school I began to take baking seriously; after a lot of trial and error, baking books and food programs, I finally began to master its science.


FO:  Whom from the baking world do you admire?


CM:  Gale Gand was the first pastry chef I ever watched on the Food Network, so I learned a lot of my techniques from her. I'm also inspired by Deb Perelman of 'Smitten Kitchen' and Jessica Mechant from 'How Sweet It Is.' They’re both innovative bloggers who passionately share their homemade secrets. I love taking their recipes and twisting them to create my own.


FO:  What is your favorite thing to make? Any crowd pleasers?


CM:  Chocolate Flourless Cake is my favorite thing to make; it’s rich and decadent. The best part is that it only requires six ingredients. As for crowd pleasers, I'd have to say it changes, but right now it's my Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting — it's moist, nutty and creamy.


FO:  What do you typically wear when baking/cooking?  Any snazzy aprons?


CM:  A girly dress-like apron from Anthropologie. I received it as a gift two years ago from a high school friend. It's my favorite.

FO: Tell us a little bit about your baking blog and business Café au Chloé


CM:  I started my blog Café au Chloé back in 2009. I have a passion for event planning and baking, so I wanted a public space to share my recipes, fashion ideas and wedding details. When researching flavors online one day I came across "Macaron Parlour," a small start-up in Lower Manhattan that creates delicious French macaroons — they actually inspired me to start my own business.


The company Café au Chloé launched in 2010, but really took off last year after I expanded my menu to include Cake Pops. Desserts are my weakness, but I like to keep my figure in check, so I came up with the idea of creating bite-sized treats. I consciously make all of my baked goods for those who like variety, but also just want a nibble. The desserts I offer range from Cake Pops, mini cookies, mini cupcakes, mini loafs, petite tarts, mini pies and individual cakes.


Travel and fashion are what inspire me, so I incorporated them into my baking. All of my dessert flavors are named after trips I’ve taken, trips I want to take, and fashion designers I like.

FO:  What’s next on the menu for company Café au Chloé?  Any specific business dreams?


CM:  Right now I’m baking treats for family and friend bridal showers, birthdays and weddings. I hope to expand my business by opening up a store front that combines baking and event planning. My dream is to have a large enough space that I can bake, but also host bridal showers, baby showers, children's birthdays, baking classes and more. I love hosting events, celebrating happy occasions and feeding people yummy treats!


So, who wants a Cake Pop?

Win tix to Baby Bash Bling Expo in Washington, D.C.

I was supposed to be heading to Philadelphia for Bloggy Boot Camp on the weekend of the 19th of May. 

With the Mr's long work hours and my projects picking up we have decided to leave the the visit to Rocky's home town for another time and stay in DC.

I was a bit disappointed about not going to the conference but I quickly perked up when I remembered that the Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show featuring Bump the Runway Fashion Show was happening right here in the Nation's Capital. It's an interactive lifestyle expo celebrating expecting mamas.

Fashion. Style. Moms. CHECK! Like my sister said, "this is so my thing!" And it sure is! 

So if you are in the Washington, DC Metro area, come out on Saturday the 19th of May where NBC News 4 news anchor and mommy Angie Goff will be hosting and Tia Mowry (remember Sister, Sister?!) of The Style Network will be signing her new book "Oh, Baby!".

I'm looking to pick up some mega tips and find new maternity designs for when the time comes for me to have baby number two (nothing yet!) 

Last time around I don't think I was much of a yummy mummy and I'm hoping to improve my preggo style this time. Truth is, maternity fashion needs a serious makeover, STAT!

So, how about it? Want to go? As a guest at Baby Bash and Bling, I have been given a pair of tickets to giveaway to one lucky winner...so step right up, get entering and see you at the show!

Now for the fun part, what am I going to wear?!

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Follow Baby Bash and Bling on Facebook 

Or tweet them! @babybashbling

Stay tuned for more expos in October 6th in Annapolis, Maryland and November 10th in Dallas, Texas.

*I was not compensated for this post, but I have received VIP tickets to the event*

SUPER busy mamá style

This week I will sleep. I repeat, this week I WILL SLEEP. I say that and it's 1.50am. But I am starting tomorrow. 

The reality is that I have been busy with my PR work and pulling some university style late nights writing, planning and pitching. It's all very exciting and the next step is getting my business registered and getting my site going. I know what I have to do, its just a matter of doing it. Needless to say, I am suuuuuper happy!

My days are filled with playdates, visiting new parks and the usual mami things that I need to do. My little man is such a good boy and I can take him anywhere without having to worry about tantrums or outbursts. Just last week he sat through a business meeting - however he ended up painting his entire arm with a highlighter marker! I soaked him extra long in the bath. 

To top it off, the Mr. was away on business in South Africa for two weeks, I had the Behind The Scenes of Nova Fashion Week to attend and work - which didn't leave me much time for coming up with feature ideas or taking pictures

However, I did manage to get a few... so here's the best of Very Busy Mamá style from the week and a half.

My mother hosted a Stella & Dot Trunk Show with my client and DC area stylist Kristin Biggs at our home

Pink/Tangerine Blazer from Belk

Emily & Finn Dress from Oliver Bonas in London

Marks & Spencer Low Heeled Pumps

Stella & Dot Zahara Bib Necklace (borrowed)

The Mr. was back from South Africa and we went for an early dinner in Georgetown after going to mass at St. Matthews 

Turquoise braided sandals from Target

Blue Pencil Skirt from MNG at JC Penney

Print Top from Banana Republic Outlet

Stella & Dot Three Times A Charm Necklace (given to me by Kristin Biggs)

Yellow H&M Bag (swapped with my sister)

I have been working with Nova Fashion Week as their Social Media Consultant for their Behind the Scenes event. Here I am checking Twitter (what else?!) before the doors opened and before changing into my heels

Emily & Finn Print Dress from Oliver Bonas in London

Striped blazer from TJ Maxx

Stella & Dot Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace (borrowed)

Gok Wan for SpecSavers Glasses

Went to my brother's new place for a Sunday evening cookout and wore this beauty!

Striped top from Primark (I miss that place!)

Festival 'Til Dawn Stella & Dot Necklace (early Mother's Day gift from MY mamá)

Nothing is new except for the blazer which I bought for $20 a few weeks ago. I bought the flower print Emily & Finn dress from Oliver Bonas two years ago in Chiswick and have not been able to fit into it...until now! I have lost 14 lbs with Medifast and I am nearly at my goal weight. It felt absolutely amazing to be able to wear it!

I've got another busy week ahead, but I have found a nursery for two days a week to take Little M, which will give me time to work during the day and actually SLEEP at night.

Hope you all have a great week!

Besos

* Stella & Dot launched in the UK in October 2011 (that's when I left!) If you would like to know more about Stella & Dot, how to be a stylist or host a trunk show, please get in touch majoseovalle AT gmail DOT com. Kristin is building a team across the pond and is looking for a stylist(s) in the the UK. We may even come see you! See the UK site*

*Stella & Dot stylist Kristin Biggs is my PR client. I disclose when items are given to me or when I have been a paying customer*

Just Instagram it!

I've had Instagram for over a year now. Never used it.

I had one or two pictures and I had it on a private setting. Not sure if I just need a new social media outlet, or a new "toy" to play with but I've been Instagraming it all over town and frankly, I like the simplicity of it.

Snap it, filter it, caption it, post it. 

Others can like it and comment or not.

Here are a few of my fave snapshots from the past few weeks...

Showing off my Stella & Dot Bahari Necklace that Kristin Biggs sent me

Day at the playground with my little man

An ode to Great Britain - love my tea!

Jason Wu bag from Target I got for $11

I found 3 and got excited then remembered what country I am living in *sad face*

Seven hour car ride to Upstate New York

Little M asking where his papi is (away on business)

Saturday Style: Primark blazer & Clothing for Tesco Top

Stella & Dot jewelry on display for my Trunk Show with Kristin Biggs

Lusting over this Petra Braided Bracelet

Kristin and I. So happy to have met her and thrilled to be working together!

More Stella & Dot bracelet love

Hey llama llama. Little M at the Reston Zoo

Little M's first scooter bust up and my pretty pink nails

Looking for ants

Little M's FIRST ever REAL drawing - a smiley face!

See? No managing anything and it literally gives you a snapshot into peoples lives. It is very difficult to read everyone's blogs and I like being able to see their photos.

Blogging, tweeting, pinning, touting and Facebook can be too much at times and I find this one to be less of a hassle and more fun.

Want to follow me? Find me as verybusymama - obviously!

Do you Instagram? Why or why not?

Trendy Toddler: Stella & Dot Little Girls Foundation Bracelet

I took a much needed blog break this weekend, but that's not to say I wasn't busy. I had a kids birthday party to go to on Saturday and then on Sunday my mother hosted a Stella & Dot Show at our place with her friends, then I headed out to visit my sister at her new place and then my brother at his new place. Phewww! 

Anway, back to Trendy Toddler! As you know, I work as a PR and Social Media consultant and one of my clients is Stella & Dot Stylist Kristin Biggs. You may have seen a few posts here and there and a giveaway for a fabulous necklace. 

This week, sadly (for me) I do not have any pictures of my dashing little man, but I do have some great girls jewelry to show off! 

Kristin has given me one Stella & Dot Little Girls Foundation Bracelet ($22) to giveaway to a Trendy Toddler participant! 

I guess my wrist is small enough, because I have been wearing it for a few weeks now. This stretchable bracelet adjusts to fit with 1 3/4" inner diameter and has gradient dyed jade beads with gold or silver plated Stella & Dot Foundation coin stamped with their signature heart on the back. 

Stella & Dot is all jewelry for adults but they do have a growing little girls section. Check them out!

Now if you don't know Stella & Dot, they are a San Francisco based social selling company that creates flexible entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Their boutique-style jewelry and accessories line is available exclusively through in-home trunk shows and events by Independent Stylists like Kristin and online. 

Stella & Dot have made their way across the pond and Kristin is looking to build a Great British team of stylists. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get looking at Stella & Dot and if you fancy knowing how you can start your own business or you just want to host a trunk show (my mother earned $265 in free bling this weekend and there is no purchase necessary. Just invite friends over for wine!) contact me here or Kristin via Facebook.

Win a Stella & Dot Little Girls Foundation Bracelet worth $22!

Everyone who links up with Trendy Toddler and has our badge on their post or links back to us will be automatically entered (you get TWO entries) to win the Stella & Dot Little Girls Foundation Bracelet from Kristin Biggs.

The contest is open only to US and the UK. Please note, if you are participating in Trendy Toddler by linking up, you DO NOT need to enter on Rafflecopter. Just LIKE Kristin Biggs on Facebook

I am opening this contest up to others not linking up, but they must enter via Rafflecopter. Winner will be announced next Tuesday.

The link up rules

1. Display our badge on your post or blog and link back to us. I ask that you please do this :) 

Grab the button,

show your style and link to us!

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2. Don't be shy, tweet me to let me know you have linked up so I can RT @verybusymama

3. Please comment after you leave your link 

4. Visit other blogs and remember link is open through Saturday

5. This week I will be tweeting and pinning entries (If you would rather not be on Pinterest, let me know)

6. Please LIKE Kristin Biggs on Facebook

As always, thank you for joining in and buena suerte!


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