Caca happens: Parenting messes & stresses

Only a few days left here in Chile! I'm actually very excited to get back to the States, start house hunting and enjoy the last few weeks of summer, despite the 100 degree heat.


As you know this blog is mostly focused on style, but let's not forget the "life" part of it. And that of course, mostly concerns my family, especially Little M. 


When Huggies said they were looking for parents to talk about parenting messes and stresses the first word that came to mind was CACA or POO. Until you become a parent, you never have to deal with anyone else's caca (I hope!) and it's not something that you bring up in casual conversation. 

But then babies happen, and you talk more about caca than you ever have in your entire life. And it becomes funny and a quite normal topic in conversations with other parents. I think I talked about messy diapers so much that my sister said to me one day "You really need to talk about something other than poo. It's gross!" Ha! I just rolled my eyes and thought "Just you wait, your time will come".  


In fact, Little M's first clear word was caca. I guess he had heard it so much, it wasn't difficult to repeat. I remember that morning. He was humming in this crib like he always did (he was a happy morning baby) and I walked into his room and I found him sitting there, with caca all over his hands, on the wall and the side of the crib, smeared on the netting and all over his legs and on the sheets. It was like a caca massacre!!


But then something special happened, he looked up at my totally grossed out face and with big smile said "CACA". I jumped with excitement! Despite the disgusting crime scene, it was his first real word and I was a very proud mami!


After that he went straight to the bath and I threw everything in the wash. As for tackling other messes and stresses, I don't really know how I tackle them. I mean it's not like I have a choice. I just roll up my sleeves, channel my inner Rambo and just do it! 

I do take it with humor and like the saying goes, "Caca Happens!" I went through endless amounts of diapers, wipes and had to wash lots and lots of clothing. Especially in the first year, Little M was like a caca machine!


In light of all this caca talk, Huggies is running a challenge with Pon Huggies a la Prueba (Put Huggies to the Test). Huggies is introducing new and improved products including the Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers and Huggies Wipes designed to withstand the real challenges of parenting. Hey, anything to keep serious caca from happening!

Huggies are calling all parents to try out these products and putting them to the test on Facebook! You can go to the Huggies Latino Facebook Page and share stories about Huggies for a chance to win a fully-stocked Huggies diaper bag (don't worry, you dont' have to speak or write in Spanish).

So it doesn't matter whether you blog about food, fashion or technology - we as parents can all relate to the biggest mess of all....caca!

Come on, tell me your best caca story! 

**This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Huggies and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions and especially the caca massacre story are all my own!**

Artistry Time Defiance SPF 50 Review & Giveaway

So I may not be spending most of my summer in the blazing sun (as some of you know, I'm in Chile until the end of the month) but that doesn't mean I don't take care of my skin.

Most importantly for me has been the care of my face and keeping it out of the sun, something I have been doing for the past few years.

With my first pregnancy I developed the horrible "mask" and the dark spots above my upper lip and under my eyes never completely disappeared. And they only get darker when exposed to the sun so you'd better believe I cover up and lather up with SPF year round.

For nearly two months now I have been using Artistry Time Defiance SPF 50: Ultra Facial Sunscreen.

It is sold only through Amway (Artistry is their very own beauty line) or via an independent business owner (another great way for moms to make money!) It comes in a 30ml bottle and at first I thought it wouldn't be enough, but the reality is that you don't need much.

I put it on under my makeup and when I was back in the US summer sun it did do the trick. The product itself is made for all skin tones, but it was developed with the Hispanic woman in mind given darker pigmentation and spots as I mentioned.

Posted to Instagram

@amway has their own beauty range & I'm trying @artistrybeauty Time Defiance SPF 50 w/Latinas in mind

The SPF is valued at $56 which is a hefty price to pay, especially for this mama, but I believe it is worth every penny. I have sensitive skin and can't just use any SPF on my face and I am convinced this is a worthy investment.

• Not only helps protect skin from sun damage, but also helps reduce appearance of existing dark spots, discolorations and redness

• Uses ten natural plan extracts known for brightening, soothing and antioxident proporties to help give skin a brighter look

• Its ultra-light formula absorbs instantly which means no ashy (or crusted blobs of lotion) on your face regardless of skin tone

• Is water resistant

Artistry, which is a global leader in premium beauty have not only given me this wonderful product to use, but have also given me two of these Ultra Facial Suncreens to giveaway to you my lovely readers! (US only)

This way you get a chance to test this out for yourself and keep your skin safe and healthy.

Good luck!

**Linking with MomTrends for Saturday Swag**


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dare to Bare: Arms & Skin

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.


A pretty ironic title for a person who covered up most of her life and spent summers trying to show as little skin as possible. But the truth is, with the years, a 20 lbs weight loss with Medifast and learning to accept my body I have started to bare more of my arms and skin in general over the years.

I was supposed to share more DIY remedies for beauty disasters, but I changed my mind. The Dare to Bare topic hits close to home and I wanted to share my own bare it all experience!

See, my arms are a big issue for me, they have always been on the flabby side, even with the weight loss, doing push ups and weight training. But you have to just enjoy yourself and relax so this year I made it a point to take better care of my arms and the rest of my skin in general and have them look their best no matter what.

This is the most I have bared in years! Arms away from body so they are not flattened. 

Here are a few changes I made in order to get my skin looking its best for the summer...

Waxing
I have been waxing my legs and bikini area for years and I don't understand why more women don't have their legs waxed. It's really not that painful, a thousand times better than shaving and it lasts waaaaaay longer. I can easily go two months and I do it myself with at home strips (for legs only! bikini I go have done). This year, I decided I would do the same for my underarms. I am tired of the itchy bumps, dark skin and the hassle of shaving. Okay, so it was OUCH! But worth it! Underarms are smooth,  I am not embarrassed to raise my arms and I use a gentle exfoliator to help the smoothness.


Weights & Push ups
So I don't do these everyday, but I try to do some sort of upper arm exercise to keep them somewhat toned. Still, they are not where I want them to be, but between picking up my son who weighs nearly 40 lbs and some light weight and a few push ups here and there, I have got them to a point I am happy with them. Hey, you do what you can!

A hint of tint
Being safe in the sun in a number one priority for me, but I do love to get a healthy tan and glow in the summer. EVERYONE looks much better and it does give you a slimming effect. The arms, look their absolute best with color.  A tan hides the imperfections especially cellulite or looser skin. No matter how flabby my arms have been, they always look better with a hint of tint.

Moisturize
Let's face it, dry skin is never attractive. End of. Earlier this year I decided to make my own moisturizer and promised myself to lather regularly. I do suffer from dry skin, but I am also lazy and I don't use moisturizer on my arms and legs, especially in the winter when I most need it. But after making my own, keeping it in front of me in the bathroom, there is no excuse not to use it. Besides, I have to accentuate my tan and somewhat toned arms!

Strike the right pose
I have learned how to cover up and show my best side in pictures. I have been the victim of countless unflattering "fat arm" pictures and I won't have it anymore. While still looking natural, I make sure to have my arms slightly away from my body, or put one arm on my hip, etc. I find ways to accommodate my arms so that they are not flattened and made to look wider or fatter.

And lastly, it is all about confidence. I haven't always had it, but it's all about how you carry yourself that makes a difference and gives you the courage to walk around with your head held high, arms and legs exposed and feeling good doing it!

How are you daring to bare it this summer? Tell me your ideas!



**I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.**

DIY remedies for embarrassing beauty disasters

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.



I've been visiting my family in Chile for the past four weeks and when this opportunity came up with Dove about suggestions and tricks for embarrassing beauty disasters I thought it couldn't be more perfect!

Honestly, not sure if it's a Chilean thing, or a general Latin American thing, but all abuelitas have DIY solutions for any beauty problem. You name it, they have something for it.

My Oma (my grandmother) has taught me a lifetime of tricks throughout the years which she still uses to this day and let me say, they really do work!

Here are a few of my personal favorite quick fixes for embarrassing beauty disasters. Some are classics, others may be new to you.

Here I go!

Too much fake tan on your face
Okay, the very first time I ever put fake tan on my face (hey I lived in London for six years, we don't get that much sun!) I went overboard and when I woke up the next day I was an exact match to the mahogany table we had in the living room.

Seriously, it was too much! I made my own scrub with sugar and had my husband run to the corner shop to get some glycerin. I mixed it in a small container and I exfoliated the life out of my face. It worked! I got it down to a normal looking color without having to buy an expensive scrub.

Pimples
Everyone knows you shouldn't touch them, but we all do. Then they pop open and it gets worse...so what do I do? Dab a bit of toothpaste on it (or them) and let them dry overnight.

It stings a bit at first, but it absorbs the moisture and helps heal quicker. Been doing it since my teen years and just yesterday I went to see my cousin at her place and had a dab on her forehead!

Black Heads
Ewwwwww! Just talking about these things make me sort of grossed out, but aside from just washing my face, I would boil water with chamomile and stand over (carefully!) the steam which would open my pores and soften my face at the same time.

Chamomile acts as a lotion of sorts, so your skins feel silky smooth and then you are ready to gently wash your face with a damp cloth and get rid of the nasty little black heads.

Teeth Whitening
Back in the day, before teeth whitening was the thing to do,  I would brush my teeth at least twice a month with baking soda in order to eliminate the yellowness to them at my mothers suggestion.

Although you can buy products now with whitening in them, every so often I give them a good old brushing with the powdery stuff.

Dry and Itchy Scalp
I've actually never had to do this one, but my Oma swears by it. She takes olive oil and massages it into her scalp. She says to be generous and get it all over. She then wraps her hair in a towel, or puts on a shower cap (do those still exist?!) and keeps it on over night.

The next day she rinses with warm water and shampoos as normal. The scalp should feel fresh and less itchy. You can repeat once a week.

So there you have it! I have lots more, especially after I asked my Oma to help me out with this, so stayed tuned for part two. As a a very busy and on a budget mama it's great to know you can use what you have at home to look gorgeous!

Do you use the products in your home to take care of beauty disasters?

What do you do? I would love to know!


**I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own**

New Fashion Love: CAbi Clothing

Being way south of the equator this time of year means it's winter. 

While everyone in Chile is getting ready for the spring and summer looks, I am starting to fantasize about the blazers and jackets I will be rocking this autumn and winter. On the plus side, there are some amazing sales going on and I have my eye on some sweeeeeet ankle boots, I'm just waiting for the next mega markdown this week!

A few weeks before packing up and leaving the 100 degree summer heat for Chile, I discovered CAbi: Carol Anderson by Invitation thanks to MomTrends twitter party (which I sadly missed!) I had been following CAbi on twitter, but I hadn't realized the range is sold through style consultants. 

Similar to Stella & Dot, CAbi consultants come into your home or place of work and you invite your friends over for an afternoon of shopping. 

Brilliant if you ask me, I'm a fan of the in-home shows and a big supporter of women being able to work from home and spend time with the kids. Carol Anderson sold her collections in Nordstrom for many years, then decided bring her expertly designed clothing directly to her customer without limitations.

I asked around and I was put in touch with a local stylist named Susan Rigger who happened to live literally just down the road from me. We met a few times before I left and I tried on several looks which I posted on Facebook and I bought a gorgeous trench coat and the soft striped long sleeve PlayTime Tee (from last season's collection) which can be dressed up or down! 

PlayTime Tee - CAbi

Zahara Bib Necklace - Stella & Dot Kristin Biggs

Short sleeve cardigan - Gap

Silver Clutch - Gap (re-shopped from Vanessa French)

The Fall 2012 Collection just launched last week and I cannot wait to get back and see the pieces in person, especially the Happy Blazer.....it' has my name all over it! 

These red Crimson Cords - love that they have spandex in them!

Tip Top blouse which helps smooth your shape and hold you in (very very important!)

I've never been one for big belts, but his HRH Signature Belt has me wondering what it would look like on. Cute, right?

The prices are a bit steep for some budgets, but bear in mind these are designer pieces and not much more than shopping at Loft or Talbots. I always invest in key pieces such as blazers, jackets and jeans. But the beauty of CAbi is that you can host a party and get discounts off your favorite items! And the truth is the quality is amazing. It's apparent at first touch and you know you are getting your moneys worth.

To be honest (and I told Susan this) I think the clothing is best in person and even if you don't think "it's you" I was surprised at how great some things look on. I've always been pretty safe with my looks, but slowly I am taking more risks.

In the meantime, check out their new collection and if you are in the Washington, DC or Northern Virginia area get in touch with Susan so that you can experience the range first hand. And Susan, please save me a Happy Blazer in a size 8!

Have you experienced CAbi before? What did you think?

Lots of love from Chile!


*For first time in a long time I am sharing this over at Monday Mingle with MomTrends, What I Wore Wednesday with Transatlantic Blonde and Fashion Friday with All Things Chic!*

Weight loss on vacation?

I've been so slack lately. I didn't think it would be this way, but I have so many things going on while on vacation. And eating yummy food is one of them *gulp*

If anything, when I go on vacation I tend to gain a few pounds…it's only natural. 

I've been on Medifast since the end of February and since then I've lost 22 lbs. I'm pretty sure it would have been more but I had a month in there were I didn't lose but 2 lbs and I got off track. 

I knew I was coming to Chile for six weeks..the land of carbs and wine! I had to be realistic. I knew that I would not be able to continue losing weight while I was here. Not with the nights out, big family lunches, barbecues, etc. It was not going to happen. 

So before traveling I spoke with my Medifast nutritionist and she suggested I go into the maintenance part of the plan. So despite not making my goal weight, I would still have Medifast meals as snacks and maintain the weight I had lost. 

Daily walks along the beach to help maintain weight

I've been in Chile for a week and it's not easy. Again, my grandmother doesn't understand the concept of low carb. Bread and wine is on the table with every meal and let's not forget the super yummy deserts. Mostly full fat and full of sugar.

I managed to get on the scale, and I have gained 1.5 lbs. Not terrible, but not shocking given the change in foods. 


I do try to go for a walk/run along the coast, especially being in a beach city at least 3 times per week to get my legs moving and working off some of the heavier meals I've had. My jeans still fit comfortably, but I can't get overconfident -  I still have four more weeks to go!

Anyway, it's never easy. I don't suggest anyone try to lose weight while on vacation, but I think maintaining is key. I'm trying. Very hard. I realized that it is also the portions that make a huge difference. So that I don't offend anyone, I eat everything that is served, but I ask for less. 

But with Medifast I've learned how to have smaller portions of everything and it really gets into your head when you go into the maintenance plan. For nearly four months I've been having six small meals a day and then one day stopping that is very difficult. But  I realized that Medifast taught me better self control and I plan on keeping it that way.

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.  

What do you do when you go on vacation? Do you put your weight loss plans on hold or try to maintain?