Makeover Momma

Double-trouble mothers Gwyn and Liv (we love first name basis here at Makeover Momma), look well-rested, hydrated, and simply glowing…but then again, they are also movie stars. The rest of us mortal mommas are faced with puffy eyes, puffy faces (and the Cheese Puffs hiding in the top cabinet.) Although celebrity mothers can go to private spas and sanctuaries for such puffy problems, you can create your own Sneaky Spa Moment at home with things found in your very own fridge.

The next time you are taking a bottle out of the fridge, try holding it to your eyes for 1-2 minutes to help reduce swelling. Another speedy trick is if you are pouring a glass of milk for your little one, try soaking a small wash cloth in cold skim or soy milk. While your baby is eating, place the wash cloth over your face for a few moments. This helps reduce redness of the face, eliminates blotchiness, and overall swelling. Who knew a bottle and milk could be so handy?

UNFLATTERING FAUX PAS:

As much as we wish they created nursing-bra lingerie that is actually affordable (Victoria’s Sore, Stretched and Bigger Secret, perhaps?), the majority of us fashionable mommas are stuck with funky sports-bras and super-sized nursing straps. Unfortunately, nursing bras have the tendency to create bulges, bumps, and mess up the lines of any top or dress.

FIGURE FLATTERY FIX:

A mothers best friend post-partum (and for years onward) is most certainly a small shrug or sweater, worn over a lose and flowing dress.

1. Feminine Shrug:  The shrug camouflages even the worst of nursing bra faux-pas, as well as an upper body you may not feel like flaunting (it can even hide accidental milk stains!)

TRY: Mossimo Cap Sleeve Fly-Away Cardigan from Target.

2. Lose, Simple Dress: A lose, feminine dress will create a womanly shape, without calling for 4 levels of Spanx to suck you in. The dress below has an extra flattering spin: a nipped in waist and black ribbon which creates an hour glass illusion.

TRY:“Button Dress” on Clearance from Alloy.

3. Bonus Buy: Topping this look off with a simple, comfortable pump or kitten heel ties everything together. Think feminine, flattering, and non-blister forming as the adjetives of choice…

TRY: Payless ShoeSource Kelsey Peep-Toe Pump.

Fashion Fix Prices:

• Lose Flowing Dress – $14.99
• Cute Flattering Shrug – $17.99
• Comfortable Kitten Heels – $12.00

            I love the summer.

            Whether the longer days, the plethora of sunlight, or the overabundance of fabulous wedge heels, the brief months of summer never go on long enough. Perhaps the only thing that I don’t adore about the summer season is the quantities of warm-weather food, and the variety of occasions that call for it. It seems that the higher the temperature rises, the more events my family attends that revolve around food: barbecues, cookouts, or beach side bonanzas. Regardless of how fun these moments may be, the impact they can have on our waistlines and our family’s health aren’t something we can ignore.

            Read on for Part 1 of our Healthy Eating Summer Tips For Moms*, which will help give you strategies for overcoming these fattening feasts.

            SUMMER STRATEGY PART 1=

• Healthier alternatives: Before attending a food filled event, why not try bringing your own healthier alternative to the fare provided.

-          If Popsicles and ice cream are the main event, grab a box of 100% fruit Popsicles, Weight Watchers cream-sickles, or Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches instead.

-          If hot dogs and burgers are the starring food, than skip the fattening condiments in favor of ketchup or mustard, layer on the healthy veggies, and leave your burger open faced.

-          If the BBQ is buffet style, try filling most of your plate with vegetables and fruit first and foremost, a small bit of lean white meat, or a plain baked potato.

Regardless of your healthy choice, leave a tiny 5% of your plate to have a small portion of your favorite treat so that you can enjoy the moment, without feeling deprived.

* Next Month – Part 2 of Healthy Summer Eating