Forcing Glam

You're a mom. Showers are lightning fast. Going pee in private is out of the question. Shaving is a rare occasion and putting on makeup is saved for special occasions. Does this sound like you? It sure sounds like me. That is why I force myself to get dolled up once in awhile. I need to remind myself that there is still a piece of me that is capable of looking glam. Sure, the stretch marks will always be there, my skin shows signs of stress and aging and I'm nothing like my pre baby self.

Getting glam is important because it proves to myself that I am more than just a taxi cab/toilet scrubber/lunch maker. I have lost myself in motherhood on many occasions. I become grouchy, tired looking and a tad melancholy. I start to begrudge the daily grind of cleaning messes and feeding mouths. Forcing the glam is like breaking out of the binds. Even if I'm only going grocery shopping, I still dress cute, do my hair and slap on some gloss. It makes me feel good and chase away the just a mommy blues.

Don't get me wrong, I know that my job is the most important one in the world. I am lucky to get to raise my own kids and be their primary love giver. That is why it is crucial to satiate my inner diva as well. It creates a balance and balance is the key ingredient to living happy. You can see happiness on a woman's face and it is simply gorgeous.

Nurture your inner diva. Force it if need be. You will thank me.

Live Glamorously~Kadi

Haute Bijoux

As promised, today we are featuring some unique finds to put the icing on your cake. I'm talking about accessories and more specifically...JEWELRY. A woman can never have enough, in my opinion. I'm not referring to fancy gems either. Summer is a great time to stash your pearls and bring out the fashion pieces. Since tribal fashion has been the main theme of my last two posts, I'm going to carry it into this post as well. Here are some treasures that made me drool:

Saltwater Cowgirl's "Faith" Necklace

Made of black bamboo coral beads and turquiose, this playful piece would look fabulous with the strapless knotted dress in the previous post!

Astali's Peacock Earrings:

Made of real peacock feathers and black swarovski crystals. Pair them with any outfit for a touch of elegant whimsy!

Maric Turquoise and Copper Bracelet:

A simple piece of wearable art made in France! Check out Maric's Etsy shop for more tres chic designs!

Do you have a fabulous find that you would like featured in a post? Just email me!

Tribal Style and Other Trends

As you may have noticed from the Fancy Feet post, the tribal theme is haute in the fashion hierarchy this summer. Now that your feet have been well dressed, let's move on to the main attraction. I'm talking about the sundress, summer's perfect staple and also a huge trend (Paris Hilton's new word is "HUGE".) It matters not your body shape when wearing a sundress because of their forgiving lines and the are perfect for almost any occasion (with the exception of formal events, of course.) Let's look at a few of this season's choice picks:

Guess: Yuki dress
Gap: Pintuck A line dress

Guess: Padma dress

Old Navy: Linen Tie Front Dress


Guess: Nyla Maxi dress

Gap: Pom Pom dress

Unique-Vintage: Va Va by Voom dress

Tomorrow, we accessorize!

Live glamorously~ Kadi

Fancy Feet

The sun is out, butterflies are hatching out of cocoons and the beaches are filling up with sun seekers. BUT, the thing that I love most about summer is the sandal shopping! This year, fashion leans toward tribal style and wedges or flats. Here are a few of my faves under $70 that I found at my most frequented online shoe shops, Old Navy, Piperlime and Nordstrom.

Unlisted: Nothin But Net $45.00 (found at Piperlime)

Chinese Laundry: Resume $59.99 (Piperlime) Jessica Simpson: Galias $68.95 (Nordstrom)

Pierre Dumas: Viviana $40.00 (Piperlime)

Restricted: Sioux $50.00 (Piperlime)

Mia: Suri $69.99 (Piperlime)

Jewel Stone T-strap $19.50 (Old NAVY) Looking for a pair indulgent sandals and willing to spend a little more? Try these Juicy Couture Kipper Wedges at Nordstrom. They are sure to bring out your inner vixen!


Pair any of these beauties with a sundress for a mom's night out or keep them casual with a flounce top and denim mini skirt. The versatility of sandals gives us endless possibilities. Now get out there and SHOP!
Live Glamorously~ Kadi

Just Breathe

Simplistic but important advice. Sometimes we get so busy and stressed out, that our breathing becomes shallow. Our brains need oxygen to function at its optimum level and a highly functioning mind is a beautiful one. Take time, right this second, to breathe. Really breathe.

• Close your eyes, if possible.


• Fill your lungs with air, through the nostrils.


• Pause.


• Exhale through your mouth, slowly.


• Breathe deeply and slowly.


• Envision the filling and emptying of your lungs.


• Listen to your breath.


• Imagine the stresses in your life, exiting your mind and body as you exhale.


• Repeat three to five times.


• Do this exercise as often as you can.

Now...don't you feel better. More calm and focused? Ready to take on the world and be your glamorous self?

My Secret Recipe

I wasn't born glamorous and successful. Ok...maybe glamorous, but not successful. In life, successful people get that way because:

1. They believe in themselves
2. They have people who believe in them
3. They get lucky
4. They don't let fear keep them from relentlessly trying
5. They model themselves after other successful people

I have been blessed to experience all of the above in my life. Yes, crappy things have happened along the way. Crappy things happen to everyone. I don't let it stop me from bettering myself and my life. In fact, I try to use all of my experiences to learn from and help others. I have also been blessed to know some amazing women who I strive to be like. Here are my top seven (since 7 is my lucky number) role models and why:

1. Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary had to give her son up for the world and watch him suffer a slow, terrible death. She raised him just to give him up. She is the perfect example of good mother and a servant of God. Mary in one word: SACRIFICIAL.
2. My mom. She has suffered so much loss in her life, but has a fighting spirit like I've never witnessed in any other person. NOTHING, it seems, can stop her from trying. I am so lucky to inherit that spirit from her. My mom in one word: STRONG.
3. My mother in law. She raised thirteen kids and without any Prozac. That amazes me. I have only 7 and I need to be medicated in order to keep up my sanity. This woman loves being a mom and grandma. It is her utter joy to watch them all grow up. I want to be like that. My mother in law in one word: JOYFUL.
4. My grandma. She lost her best friend and soul mate last year and I have watched her battle depression since then. She leans of God alone to restore her sense of peace and shelter her from the fear that so easily slips in. She is a woman of immense strength and faith. Grandma in one word: FAITHFUL.
5. My business partner, Danielle. A visionary. A die hard. A fashionista. A true cowgirl. A real friend. Danielle in one word: GENUINE.
6. Clarissa Nassar aka Poshpreneur. This lady never ceases to amaze me with her talents. She runs a business, runs a family and runs to church every Sunday. I'm gonna have to run a little faster if I ever want to catch up with her success! Clarissa in one word: DRIVEN.
7. Trisha. MEO, Founder of MomDot, Momblogger Mentor. I seriously do not know if there is anything this woman cannot do. She inspires greatness in thousands of women and she does it FOR FREE. Who does that now days? She also tells it like it is...which I love. Trisha in one word: DYNAMIC.

These women represent everything that I aspire to be: Sacrificial, strong, joyful, faithful, genuine, driven and dynamic.

Best TV Mom Ever?

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Live Glamorously~ Kadi

Gonna make my brow eyes blue!

I am saying this in the sweetest way possible... dark, bushy eyebrows are only acceptable if you are doing a Groucho Marx impersonation. That's it. Plain and simple. Originally, I was going to post on trending nail polish colors, but when I went to read Glamour's latest article on color, I saw this:

As an appointed Glambassador, it is my moral obligation to point out this major fashion no-no. I was so distracted by this poor girl's unsightly brows, that I could not even rememeber what color she was wearing! At second glance, I realized that her polish job was an inverted manicure. Then I noticed her beautiful blue eyes. What a shame that those baby blues who overshadowed by the bushy browns. Not pretty. I know that some would disagree with my stance, but it is my stance and this is my blog...and so it shall be.

As a general rule, eyebrows are meant to frame your face, not take over. Please ladies, let's keep them groomed and in proportion to our profiles. Other examples of brows that would benefit from a little pruning inlcude:

Beautiful women, beautiful brow shapes, but too much of anything is well...too much.

What do you think?

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Live Glamorously~ Kadi

Of Age and Beauty

A woman may develop wrinkles and cellulite, lose her waisteline, her bustline, her ability to bear a child, even her sense of humor, but none of that implies a loss of her sexuality, her femininity...~ Barbara Gordon.

I've always been afraid of growing old. My vanity started at a young age and the thought of being old always drove me to try every anti aging product on the market, far sooner than necessary. As thirty crept up on me last year, the panic set in. How would I survive turning thirty? Fine lines began appearing, throwing me into bouts of depression over getting old. Then the day came that I was no longer twenty nine and nothing, but everything, changed. I was still the same person.
When I smile, my dimples still show. Yes, there are lines around my eyes, but the centers still glisten with excitement. I have put on some weight, but it makes me look more womanly. My hair appointments have become more frequent, but so has my sex life. For every negative thing that I could come up with, there has also been something wonderful to discover about my journey into thirty.
I am more confident. For the first time in my life, I no longer feel the need to apologize to everyone all the time. I am not sorry for my choices and actions. I am sure of myself and where I am in life. I have more patience with myself and my children. I see my husband maturing and it has made him even more handsome than he's ever been. My body is finally healed from the numerous childbirths and my energy is no longer suffocated by pregnancies. I have had enough life experience to help others who have not yet traveled the paths I have. Of course, I'm also wise enough to know that I still do not know much compared to countless other women. I'm also old enough to value the thoughts and advice of those who have gone before me.
Leaving behind my young adulthood has made me see how beautiful it truly is to grow older. I am enjoying the first year of my thirties and am proud to say that I actually am starting to look forward to what the next decade and beyond holds for me!

Here is a lovely slideshow of gorgeous women over 30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ynpt7ePXBg

Live Glamorously~ Kadi

Skin Deep

To continue my skin saving sermon, I'd like to touch upon the subject of skin care products.. Developing a skin care regimen is crucial. What you use, however, can be the most important factor in achieving better skin.

• Go look at your skin care products. Does your moisturizer contain mineral oil? If so...toss it immediately!





• Does your toner have alcohol in it? Alcohol dries out the skin and causes it to produce more oil. People with naturally oily skin can be doing themselves a great disservice by using alcohol based products to help control oil.





• Are you over twenty? Now is the time to think anti-aging.





• Over thirty? Time to start incorporating some peels and glycolic products.





• There is such a thing as over exfoliating. While I highly recommend exfoliation on a weekly basis, doing too much can cause damage to the dermis. Ask your esthetician about your ideal frequency.





• Masks are good to supplement. Find one that is specific to treating your issues.





• Don't have an esthetician? GET ONE! Sometimes, you need to be able to call on an expert.





• Research your products. Read reviews with the knowledge that everyone has different skin. If you look at the ingredients, they will help you decide which products are right for your skin type.





• Steer clear of companies that claim outrageous results or keep in mind that it is an advertising ploy.





• Considering getting a facial, skin treatment or rejuvenation technique? Only use a licensed and experienced esthetician who uses a specific line of quality skin care.

My favorites?

YonKa:

Glycolix:

MD Formulations:

For more skin care tips and product recommendations, visit http://www.glamour.com/

Live Glamorously~ Kadi

I'm My Own Worst Enemy

Pink is right. Most often, we are our own worst enemies. We expect others to respect us, but do we respect ourselves? Today I'm talking about respect for your skin. Skin is the body's largest organ. It is our protection from the brute forces of nature and man. However, it is greatly mistreated and overlooked. I am not innocent. I take my skin for granted all the time. So here are a few tips that I will be following this summer to repay my skin for being so good to me.

• Use sunblock DAILY, reapply if you are out in the sun for more than a few hours.
• Buy foundation with a built in UV shield factor of 15 or higher.
• Remember your skin's best friend is water. Drink plenty of it or your skin will suffer.
• Steer clear of tanning beds.
• Do not smoke! The carcinogens in those cancer sticks will not only kill you, but make you age significantly faster while you are on your way out.
• Moisturize morning and night.
• Wash your makeup off before bed. I'm so guilty of not doing this. Makeup, dirt and oil will collect on your pillow, creating a lasting bacteria playground for you to sleep on.
• Wash pillows, towels and linens regularly. Weekly, is recommended.
• Wear a hat outdoors. Preferably, a wide brimmed one. Straw cowgirl hats are both functional and stylish!
• Throw out old makeup and face products. Check the normal shelf lives of cosmetics here:

Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
Concealer: 12-18 months
Powder: 2 years
Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Powder Eye shadow: 2 years Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
Eyeliner: 2 years
Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
Mascara: 3 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip liner: 2 years
Lip gloss: 18-24 months
Nail Color: 1 year

*Products without preservatives need to be discarded sooner.

Be good to your skin and it will be good to you!

Live Glamorously~ Kadi

I Am SAHM...Glam I Am!

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." Lin Yutang
And the second greatest? To be glamorous! (You can quote me on that.)

Who am I?
I am Kadi, a SAHM to seven gorgeous little trouble makers! I just hit the big thirty mark last year and I was really dreading it. Being thirty has been totally different than I expected. I'm loving every second of it! I am a wiser mother, a more patient person and the sex is so much better! (Yes, I share way too much information. That's just me.) I have also been able to find my glamorous side again.

Who are we?
It is true. Motherhood requires us to give up a lot. Our former amounts of freedom, our personal space, our intact body and sound mind. However it gives us so much in return, that we hardly mind the loss of our old selves. Yes, I said hardly, simply due to the fact that no matter how precious our children are to us, there is always a little piece of our inner ids that still long to have shiny hair and a fabulous wardrobe, if only once in awhile. I'm here to tell you that not only is it possible, but it is also necessary for mothers to maintain some amount of glamour in their lives. While my children come first without exception, I have realized that in order to give my children a happy, fully functional mama, I must feed my own soul as well as theirs.

Why a Glambassador?
I decided to apply for the job of a *Glambassador for the purpose of spreading this knowledge to other moms out there. Who better to partner up with than one of the country's most loved publications, Glamour Magazine? When I got the letter that I had been selected to represent the moms of California at all Glamour events, I was thrilled! Not just because it will give me the chance to foster my glam side, but also that it will enable me to share insider tips from the pros on how to be a glamorous mommy with all of you. I'm so excited to get started!

Who's with me?
My friend, Clarissa, was also chosen to be a Glambassador (she is the epitome of a glamorous mama, if I do say so myself!) She will be covering all Glamour events in New York, so you will get the best of East and West coast Glamour info. We will be using our blogs to post video footage, event information and notes about our adventures as Glambassadors. Make sure that you check in with us for daily glam tips and special articles. Together, we will help you unveil the glam mommy within!

Live Glamorously~ Kadi

*Glambassador: A woman chosen to represent Glamour Magazine at fashion events and report back to the masses on what she learns and experiences.