Makeover Momma

UNFLATTERING FAUX PAS:

Even though it may come in handy to have (what men charmingly refer to as) “child bearing hips” when delivering a baby…it may not seem quite as handy when dressing post-partum. Have confidence in those curves with well-placed outfits and proportional clothing.

FIGURE FLATTERY FIX:

Instead of hiding your curves after baby, simply learn the three keys to highlighting those beautiful womanly hips: 1) Accentuate a small waist or shoulders to create proportion, 2) balance hips with a wider cut in either pants or skirt, and 3) wear a flattering color, cinched waistline or something that makes you feel sexy.

1. A top with balance: Aim for a top or shirt with wider cut shoulders, ruffles on top or a dramatic neckline. Balancing out small shoulders to hips will create leaner proportions and balance overall.

TRY: Layered Puff Sleeve Top for Wet Seal

2. A cinched belt or waistline: Nipping your top or dress at the waist creates an hourglass figure, which is enviable to anyone. Try a soft belt with light stretch so that you can flatter your figure, while still being comfortable after baby.

TRY: City Style Wide Stretch Belt from NY&Company

3. A wide cut bottom: Choose an A-line skirt or wider cut trousers to balance out hips. Although it seem counterproductive to wear wider clothing on your widest area, clothing with slight give and structure is better than tight, stretchy items.

TRY:Victoria’s Secret Linen Drawstring Skirt

Fashion Fix Prices:

· Balancing Bold Top — 18.50

· Stretchy Belt — 13.96

· A-line or wide skirt — 29.50

     This fast and easy recipe for 5 Minute Chicken Taco Salad takes mere minutes to prepare in the microwave, and produces a crunchy and satisfying meal. Not only is this original Makeover Momma™ recipe quick and easy for busy mothers, but it makes a healthy lunch to share with your child. Completely gluten-free* and filled with lean protein, it uses crisp lettuce, beans and fresh salsa to create a crunchy snack. Try using any left-over produce or meats wanted to make it your own, or use lactose-free cheese (such as Veggie Delight) and cubed tofu to make it dairy-free or vegetarian.  

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 gluten-free corn taco shells – Garden of Eatin’ Corn tacos
• ½ can of gluten-free refried beans – Bearitos Organic Traditional
• 2 tablespoons of Daisy brand sour cream
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ of a scooped avocado
• ½ cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese (not processed)
• 1 bag of pre-cooked lean grilled chicken

Instructions:

Pour ½ can of refried beans into a microwave safe container, and heat according to package directions (roughly 1 minute). Cut an avocado in half, and scoop out ½ of its contents and layer over beans. On a separate cutting board, chop onion, cherry tomatoes, and celery, and add to dish to form another layer. Break 2 or more corn taco shells into small crunchy pieces and add to the dish, and finally pour content of pre-cut grilled chicken (gluten-free) over top. Add freshly shredded cheddar cheese, and put entire bowl in microwave for 2-3 additional minutes, until contents are warm and cheese melted. Top off with a dollop of sour cream.

*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. This snack is gluten-free (but can be dairy and meat free, as needed.)

Do you ever get sick of celebrity mothers stating that it was simply “walking with their stroller” that got them back in shape? Although it seems that a simple stroll with your stroller won’t do much to keep the weight off, there are many ways that you can get more from each walk (even when you’re short on time.)

·         Add Intervals With Music – Try turning up your favorite tunes when taking a walk, and alternate between your normal pace for one song and a much faster pace at the next. It’s up to you how far you push the pace, but simply alternating between two different speeds on your normal walk will burn more calories. (Make sure your music is at a level where you are still aware of your surroundings to keep both you and baby safe.)

·         Bump Up The Weight – Before hitting the pavement for your next walk, try adding a few extra water bottles, toys or even dumbbells to the bottom of your stroller to increase the resistance. The heavier the weight you’re pushing while walking, the more calories you’ll burn (as long as you’re careful not to risk injury by going overboard.)

·         Use New Tools – Make workouts harder by buying affordable ankle or wrist weights at your local convenience or athletics store. Simply adding 2 to 5 pound weights while walking will tone your body more, without needing to increase walk time.

*Do you have a tip for making your momma workout more challenging? Share with us, and we’ll post your advice!

We recently came across a new term known as a “scuppy”, which refers to socially conscious yuppy-esque mothers (or parents) who embrace eco-friendly everything…without losing their sense of style. These mothers somehow manage to enjoy organic beauty products and aesthetics, without resembling the greasy, hippie image of the past. Makeover Momma™ was inspired by this balance between beauty and enviro-awareness, and decided to do some affordable product investigation of our own.

Try helping the planet and being eco-savvy…without breaking the bank (even if that sounds impossible.) Check out the new Dessert Essence Organics line available at CVS (or www.drugstore.com), which offers an Age Reversal Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30. This clever concoction claims to both moisturize and protect your skin daily, without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. If you need a new nighttime cream, try their Age Reversal Pomegranate Face Serum which is a potent treatment to prevent wrinkles, fight free-radicals and reverse signs of aging…all while using completely natural ingredients. We may be late to hop aboard the evo-savvy train, but we find ourselves inspired to ditch the chemical creams and abrasive acids we hold dear, in favor of something more natural.

·         What Is Your Opinion on the Scuppy Trend? Let us know if you’re down with green or sticking to your creams…

Motherhood is hurried and harried enough, without throwing constant wardrobe malfunctions and fashion faux pas into the mix. This week, Makeover Momma is giving you a 10 second recommendation for timeless fashion, for moments when you have everything but time.

Speedy Fashion Spotlight: Embrace newfound curves and cleavage post-partum by throwing on a saucy summer dress when you’re in a hurry. Try choosing a dress that has…

a) An empire waist cut to hide post-baby pooch

 b) A flattering neckline with spaghetti straps or halter neckline (to flatter upper body)

 c) A control top that can easily conceal a nursing bra and keep curves in their place

 d) An eye-popping color that makes you feel gorgeous.

BUY IT: Try choosing well made and affordable options such as the Cladise Abstract Dress or Tropical Lily Dress from Forever 21 (each about $22.)

ADMIRE IT: As seen doubly on new-mother and body conscious starlet Halle Berry.

    Part 2 of Healthy Summer Eating Tips for Moms gives you a “no brainer” idea for eating healthfully during the hottest months of the year. Don’t let warm weather, creamy desserts and a surplus of BBQ’s get the best of your healthy waist line…battle back with these simple tricks.

·      Photo image courtesy of myrecipes.com

• Resist and Reward:

Everyone has different levels of self-control and will power, so it’s important to know your own. If trying a healthier option (as mentioned in the previous post Part 1 of Summer Eating) than why not try the “Resist and Reward” method.

If you’re attending many events during the week that revolve around food, try to make all of your choices healthy, but keeping in mind that you will allow yourself one nice “worthwhile treat” in a controlled and mindful setting.

Whether your favorite bowl of ice cream, a small slice of home-made pie, or one side of macaroni and cheese, make sure that you don’t waste precious calories on items you “sort of like”…and save your once-a-week indulgence on a small portion of your absolute favorite summer food.

Worthwhile, wonderful, and absolutely guilt free!

                 Summertime can be the ultimate buzz kill for a healthy exercise routine. Although we want to stick to our workout routines, most parents would never want to endanger their little ones by dragging them outside in the blazing heat, so they let their good intentions fall by the wayside. Worry no more: here are some ideas for staying safe and slim in the heat:

                                                  Active mother of two, Denise Richards, stays cool while exercising.

• Watch the Clock- If you exercise outdoors and the sun is blazing, try working out at the coolest beautiful parts of the day instead: sunrise or sunset. Your skin, body and calendar just may thank you for this change in routine! While you’re at it, try taking a different route than usual, to work new muscles and revitalize your habits!

• Make Friends with Water- Although you should be drinking plenty of water when exercising in hot weather, you also might want to try getting in for exercise. Try joining or “borrowing” local pool access from a friend, and take your workout to the shallow end! Aim to rotate one of the following three exercises for a minute each, until you’ve reached a total of 20 leg-toning minutes:

1.       Jog lightly in the shallow end.

2.       Hold onto the side of the pool and kick your feet quickly behind you.

3.       Jump up and down like a pogo stick (making sure to squat deeply with each landing to tone your lower half).

You will probably break a sweat…but you just won’t know it!

• Stay Indoors- If going outside under the hot sun is completely unappealing, then why not try zipping by your local (air conditioned) library, and renting some workout videos. Replace your typical outdoor routine with a challenging or motivating video (you will work new muscles and reap new results!)  

                Perhaps we’ve been watching too many fairy tales with our children lately, but the image of Snow White with her flawless complexion and rosy lips is a beautiful image. Try recreating the look of ruby lips like Gwyneth Paltrow (above)…without taking hours on your makeup.

1.       1-2 Seconds: Start with a creamy canvas on the skin, to create soft contrast to a striking pout. You want skin to look like butter, so smooth on a “whipped” foundation that will create a seamless face.

TRY: Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

2.       2-3 Seconds: Eyes that are lined in a soft rose color creates warmth to the face, without overpowering the lips. Stay away from dark colors (dark eyes and lips don’t work when in a hurry), and smooth on a small amount of blush that can work for both cheeks and eyelids.

TRY:E.L.F All Over Color Stick

3.       3-5 Seconds: Finish the look with a rosy lip that won’t smudge or budge during busy days. Try using a simple lip stain to achieve a quick and easy look with staying power.

TRY:Revlon “Just Bitten” Lip Stain

* All product suggestions at Makeover Momma™ can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart, Target, drugstore, or online at www.drugstore.com.

Makeover Momma™ Rating: D

Why:

                We at Makeover Momma™ feel that every mother should be empowered and confident to flaunt their newfound curves, wear their favorite clothes and discover new forms of fashion as new mothers. However, we also advocate wearing sensible trends, and although tube tops may be stylish and flattering on some…they can be a disaster waiting to happen on others.

                Even trend-setting Gwen Stefani (seen here with young son Kingston) may not understand the hazards of wearing a tube top with an infant or toddler.  Although Gwen thought ahead with a colorful and stylish bra- the odds of your child tugging or pulling on your shirt (for a variety of reasons) are higher than you might expect. One of the rules of new motherhood that can only be learned in time: “a strapless top doth not make style…it only makes for show and tell.” Try sewing a strap or ribbon to create a temporary halter effect (and less chance of flashing the grocery store while running errands.)

This gluten-free spin on granola was originally created by Makeover Momma™ as an easy treat to feed an (inevitably picky) toddler…but swiftly turned into a family favorite. The Peanut Butter Fruit Chew Granola* quick and easy to make for children, can be taken to work for a healthy treat, kept in a bag for on-the-go snack, or provides a burst of needed energy when your day is in a downward spiral.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of peanut butter flavor gluten-free cereal- like Barbara Bakery brand Peanut Butter Puffins
• 2 bags (4 oz. each) Eden Organic Brand “Wild Berry Mix”-contains organic dried blueberries, cranberries, raisons, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
• 1 small bag dried plums or apricots- like “Organic by Miriani”
• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup of gluten-free rice syrup- like Lundburg Organic Sweet Dreams Brown Rice Syrup

Pour the peanut butter cereal, gluten-free dried fruit/nut trail mix, and additional dried fruits in a bowl, mixing thoroughly. In a separate small pan on the stove, combine the peanut butter and gluten-free rice syrup, and heat on low for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring the mixture until creamy and smooth. Once the mixture is silky, pour into the bowl with the dried granola ingredients, and stir so that everything is coated. Empty the sticky mixture into a 13” by 13” pan, press until flat and sticking together, and let it cool in the fridge overnight. You’re done!

Extra Note: If you prefer to create this granola from scratch, than any combination of the following ingredients could be added- provided they are gluten-free and from a GF manufacturer. For example, add any kind of dried fruits, additional nuts like walnuts, hemp seeds, or carob chips, or anything else preferred.

*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. This snack is gluten-free.