Be Brave!!

I am a sucker for cute accessories, especially bracelets!! There is nothing better than finding a cute affordable accessory, except finding out that the bracelet that you want actually helps raise money for important causes.

That is how I felt when my friend Lori from SOBBS and Mom of an Angel, shared these beautiful bracelets called Bravelets with me.

Bravelets are made of 316L stainless steel (which means less staining and discoloring than silver), and genuine leather.  They have the words "Be Brave" inscribed on each one.  Today I will be focusing on the three options for Pregnancy and Infancy Loss.  However they do make others, to benefit almost every cause.

Bravelets were started when the owner of the company's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She wanted to make something that her family could wear to show their support, in the weeks up to her mastectomy.

"There are times in all of our lives where we need to be brave – whether for ourselves, for our family, for our friends, or even for a complete stranger.  Bravelets™ bracelets are more than just something to wear on your wrist.  They are a symbol of hope, strength and courage.  They are designed to help you be brave in the toughest of times. "

Since then their company has taken off.  They now make Bravelets for many causes, and let organizations set up fundraisers with them 

Their website is also wonderful, and has a section that allows you to share your stories of bravery.

Which brings me back to the Bravelets specifically for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  Lori found these fabulous bracelets, and set up a fundraiser for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. 
There are three colors to choose from: Blue, Pink, and White.

 

Bravelets sell for $35 a piece, and if you buy them through this link $10 of every purchase will go to Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  Lori does so much for Pregnancy and Infant Loss, so you know that this money will make a huge difference.

These Bravelets are beautiful, and they will make you feel great wearing them.  I know I need a constant reminder to stay brave, I can't think of a better way to remind myself.  This is definitely on my Christmas wishlist. 

10 Minutes Of Me Time

Today we have a special guest, my friend Kimberly of the website suburbancitychix. 

Kimberly is a certified Yoga Instructor- RYT-200, who teaches Ashtanga, Hatha, Power Yoga, Tweens and Kids yoga classes in New York.  She is also currently obtaining her certification in Nutrition.  I don't know about you guys, but this post couldn't have come at a better time for me.  I am constantly stressed out, and take no time for me.  I can't wait to enjoy Kim's 10 Minutes for Me Plan.  We have another exciting post scheduled in the next few weeks, that will show you how to include your kids in your "me time", and Kim has some surprises in store for us for our birthday celebration next week.  Make sure you head over and check out her site today, and let us know how you enjoy your "ten minutes".

Sometimes, we wake up and get stuck in a routine.  Our routine, often does not serve us in a good way.  Yes, we take care of our children, then we either go to an office or work from home or maybe we are cleaning the house and running errands.  The fact is by the time we finish these tasks, the kids are home, dinner has to be served (whether cooked or bought), homework needs to be done and our husbands need attention.  We often live a life of 24 hours filled with a to do list that has nothing to do with ourselves.

So, how do we start and end our day with taking care of ourselves?  First, let’s start with a mantra “Today I choose Self-love”.  You need to repeat this to yourself every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to bed.  By saying these words out-loud you are telling the universe that you need time for yourself.  You may feel this is selfish, “But I need to take care of my children and my partner”, etc, but the truth is if you do not take care of yourself first, everything in your life falls out of harmony.

Let’s talk about time, and how to manage your day.   Many of you may be thinking, I do not have the time, I have so much to do and I just cannot fit in any exercise or quiet time in.  But, if we are going to be honest with ourselves there is time, you just need to carve it out.  Trust me, I am speaking to you from experience.  I worked for Fortune 500 companies for years, I commuted to the city  (about 4 hours daily) and now I run my own business and teach Yoga. What, I have realized is that through all the madness, I must make “Me time”.  Whether that means waking up at 5:30am, or 15 minutes before you usually do, make the decision to tell yourself, “Today I choose Self-Love”. 

Here are some quick easy fixes you can do when you wake up:

Wind Removing Pose

First, while lying in your bed, take one knee into your chest, clasp your hands around the outside of your knee, (directly under it and pull your leg into your chest, while the other leg is straight on the bed with your foot flexed.  Take a few breaths here and then repeat on the other side.  This pose is great for stimulating your colon, strengthens the arms, improving hip flexibility, and firming the abdomen and thighs.

Then, roll onto your side and out of bed.

Next find a quiet room, put your IPod on, or sit in silence and listen to your breath. Come into a comfortable seat on the floor, in Yoga we call this Easy Seat.   

 Sitting up tall on your floor/mat in a cross-legged position, shoulders rolled up, back and down, with your head in a neutral position. Note* you can sit on a blanket or a block which will help you to sit up taller and change the angle of your pelvis, which in turn will help keep your back in proper alignment. Once seated, start by inhaling simultaneously by sweeping the arms up and overhead palms touch, and then exhale breath out as you bring arms down, let them fall to either side of you.  Keep your neck in a stable position.  Repeat this 3x’s then on the 4th, sweep your arms up, take a deep inhale, now exhale and twist your upper torso to the left (left hand comes to outside of the buttocks and right hand comes to left knee and neck turns to face the left). Hold the twist and repeat on the other side.  Note* if you used a blanket or block remove it before moving into the next pose.

Come onto your knees and push back into Child’s Pose.   

 

To get into this pose, kneel on the floor or mat, touch your big toes together and sit onto your heels, slightly open your knees out to hip distance.  Sit up tall take a deep breath in and fold over your legs, exhaling all the stale air that does not serve you out.  Bring your arms in front of you, hands pressing into the ground and shoulders rolled back.  Press into your forehead (if your head does not touch the ground, then utilize a block, a book, or a rolled towel) that will allow the sensation of the point in between your eyes also known as Third Eye to be stimulated.  Then, relax your arms and just breath.  This pose is a resting position that will help calm the thoughts in your mind, while relieving stress and fatigue.  It will also stretch your hips, thighs and spine and will help to alleviate any back/neck pain or stiffness.  Hold this pose for 5- 10 breaths.

Slowly move your hands back so they are framing the top of your head.  Push into the ground with your palms and pull up into a tabletop position.  Knees may need to be adjusted.  Make sure that your hands are shoulder distance apart and knees are hip distance apart.  Tops of toes are pushing into the ground (so envision you are standing on your tippy toes). Your head is neutral and you are looking down.  Now, we will move into Cow/Cat pose.   

Inhale fresh positive energy and pull your chest up, shoulders come down naturally and sit bones pull up, don’t over strain your neck let it go with the flow of your movement. Now, exhale release the tops of your feet to the mat/floor, round your spine, belly comes in and head releases toward the ground.  Repeat this for 3-5 breaths, with control.  This pose will stretch the spine and massage it at the same time.

From tabletop, we move into Down-ward Facing Dog.  

  

Spread your fingertips, push into your palms, while, pushing into the tops of your feet and lift your knees and hips off the ground. Stretch your heels toward the floor, continue to lift through your legs engaging all the muscles, but do not lock the knee (you may keep a small micro bend).  Now, while pressing into the palms your going to do a mini roll with your forearms and upper arms outward, you should feel your shoulders roll into one another.  Your head should be in between your upper arms, with no stress, but not hanging like a rag doll either.  The benefits of this pose are amazing; it calms the mind, it helps relieve stress.  And, it also, stretches your spine, shoulders and hamstrings.  It will help you build strength in your arms and legs and it will improve your digestion. 

Finally, float back and forth from child’s pose into down dog 3-5xs and repeat after me, “ Today I choose Self-Love”.  This entire routine will last 10- 15 minutes, depending upon how many breaths you take between each pose

Thanks Kimberly, I am off to get my "10 minutes of me time", I hope you all join me:)

Barber Bracelets ♥

For some reason every time I look at Barber Bracelets I get teary eyed.  I think it is because of the empathy that Laura Barber, the owner, shows towards us infant loss moms.

Laura started making her bracelets, after a cub scout project with her son.  Her adorable bracelets are made out of paracord, yep the cords from parachutes.  Some how Laura has found a way to make them into something adorable and fashionable.  She also figured out how to add "awareness ribbons" to them:)

This is where I start getting emotional...Laura decided to start making special "Angel Bracelets", because she was inspired by Tricia Pyatt. Tricia is the founder of the fabulous Lil Angel Hankies, which we featured back in February.  Laura and Trcia have been friends since high school.

"She was a close friend when we were both in high school, and seeing how much she helped others was amazing. I haven't lost any pregnancies myself, but many women in my family have. I had no idea how much it would mean to the mothers to have a bracelet like this, but I'm glad if it helps them in any way."

Barber Bracelets are not only for infant loss parents, you can get them made for any cause.  Or you can just get them made in colors that you love.  They are also great for sports fans, your kids sports team, sororities... and since they are soft you can wear them around the clock.

Many of us have remembrance walks coming up, what a great way to show team unity, and remember why you are walking.  I am doing the OC Walk to Remember next month, and plan on getting these in the colors that we had done our daughter's nursery in.  It will be our way of showing everyone that we are walking for her...

I not only like what this company stands for, but I also think that they are right in touch with the current "arm full of bracelets" trend.  I see a lot of people sporting the 80's friendship bracelets (takes me right back to those days), however I like the idea of putting a modern twist on the trend with these:)

You can visit Barber Bracelets on their Facebook page, and to order a bracelet (s) head over to their website.


Barber Bracelets has offered to do a special giveaway for Little Orso fans.  One special fan will win the bracelet of their choice:)

To enter this giveaway you must do two things:

1.  Head over and "like" Barber Bracelets on Facebook.

2.  Leave a comment below letting us know what colors you want your bracelet to be:) I am going to paste Barber Bracelets color choices here to help you decide:)

Good luck!!  

A winner will be picked using random.org tomorrow (9/14) at midnight pst.

Smitten With My New Jeans

  
Little Orso Council Feature


Today Staci, from November Sunflower, is going to take you along on her journey of weight loss, and then searching for the "perfect jeans" to fit her "new" body.  It is something that most women struggle with especially moms.  She will share her new favorite brand of jeans, and some tips for getting them for less.  If you have any question regarding her weight loss, the jeans mentioned in the post, ways to earn money/gift cards, or anything else money related please feel free to comment below.  Staci is part of our Little Orso council, and is available to help you all.  Hopefully her advice will help us all get to experience a great jean shopping session...I know I dream about that day;)




Have you ever wished that you could find those perfect jeans?  You know the ones.  They make your butt look good, they feel amazing on, you could sleep in them if you had to. 
The jeans that fit your curves to perfection...

Personally it has never happened for me before.  It's always been that one piece of clothing that I can never get "just right".

Here's the thing: I am short.  I'm only 5'3.  I need petite items for height.  However until earlier this year, finding petite sizes, as well as a size that fit me, was very difficult.  Until December 2011, I was not just short, but I was "a squeeze myself in a size 8" size 8.  You've seen ladies like me out there, laying on our beds to be able to zip up our jeans, and then the muffin top appears. Yup, that was me.  I admit it  However I wasn't about to accept that I had gained weight, and should be in a much larger pair.

An amazing gift was shown to me, and I was able to lose 20 pounds by February 2012.  The size 8 jeans that I had been struggling to close, I was now struggling to keep up.  My mother had to loan me a belt to use on my Old Navy jeans.  Yeah, can you just picture how horrible those looked, all bunched up?  Old Navy was my "go-to" jeans place.  I loved them even if they didn't fit perfectly, they were petite, and they made my butt look decent.  Once I was ready to buy jeans that actually fit the new, slimmer, fitter, me, I headed to Old Navy.

Old Navy failed me Miserably.  I didn't know what size I was now, so I got a size 6, 4 and Little Miss threw a size 2 for good measure.  Shockingly I tried on the size 6s, the size 4s, and finally the size 2s.  Even the 2s were a bit big, so we headed back out for a 0.  We found very little in size 0, and they weren't petite.  However when I tried those on they were super small.  Muffin top showed  up again...we couldn't have that, so I settled for size 2s.  I had never been so disappointed with Old Navy Jeans.  It was a sad day for me.  I am tearing up at the thought of it now...

One pair of jeans from my "go- to" store...Bummer!! Plus they didn't fit well.  Major Bummer!!  I searched so many stores, it wasn't funny.  Still only one pair of jeans.  It was coming up on summer, so it wasn't a big deal.  But guess what??  Summer has to end at some point, right?

Luck struck.  Recently I got invited to a Sears Style Brunch, where they were giving away jeans to all bloggers that attended.  Wahooo!  Who knew I would get so lucky at Sears?  Plus the Juniors Department?  What?  But it's true.

Hello Bongo brand jeans, you're my new best friend.  You make my butt look fabulous, you're the perfect length, and you fit like a glove...and you're comfortable, plus you feel so dang soft.  I'm completely smitten.

The only thing I'm not in love with is the price tag.  I love these jeans, and am glad that I got them for free.  However it is hard to find them on the Sears website, so I have to go to the physical store. Ugh.  Plus when they aren't on sale, that price tag is super uncool.  When I put them on, I just forget about the price tag....and sometimes when you feel that good about a pair of jeans, the price tag isn't as upsetting.  It's why I'm so thankful for the ability to earn lots of points online, so I can redeem the points for cash or gift cards.  The guilt just disappears, and I get to "feel good" minus the dread after seeing the receipt!


***For any of you inspired to check out Bongo jeans after this post (like Staci's), head over to Sears.com by Friday.  They are offering 10% off (some are already on special too), and free shipping.  No promo code needed, your order just needs to be $49+






Staci Gerard is the owner of the blog November Sunflower. Living on Long Island isn't financially easy for a household with just one income, but Staci has mastered the art of Strategic Shopping online, and in stores, for herself, as well as her family. Who else can shop FOR FREE online for all of the gifts she purchases throughout the year, along with during the holidays? Even better, she teaches people to do what she does! She's the non-extreme savings guru, who now has a rocking pair of jeans in her closet!

Tips for Feeling "Well Kept"

Just because you stay home changing diapers, making lunches, scrubbing toilets etc...doesn't mean that you can't still have a little luxury in your life.

These are a few of my favorite tips for feeling like a "well kept woman", while being a stay at home mom on a budget (these work just as well for stay at home dads)...

Washington Post

1.  Put on a hair mask first thing in the morning, and leave it on while you clean and get ready to go.  By the time that you rinse it out your hair will be soft and shiny.  I don't buy hair masks or deep conditioner anymore, because I realized that I kept getting them as samples when buying other items.  Now I keep a little basket in my bathroom filled with my "emergency look like I live under a rock collection."  Basically the basket is filled with hair masks, face masks, eye creams...  I just use one whenever I feel blah.  The best part is they are perfectly portioned out, and they are usually products that I could not afford to buy the entire container of.


2.  This one is really fun. Did you know that you can afford your own stylist?  J Crew offers free styling online or by phone.  Just call this number, or fill out this form and book your appointment.  A stylist will ask you a few questions, and then come up with an outfit (s) that works for you. 

The best part is that you get free shipping on all of the items that they pick out for you.  You do not have to buy anything!! You can use your styling appointment to make a J Crew wish list, or just to get an idea of what type of clothes work best for you.


3. Don't have time to get a pedicure??  Before you go to bed wipe your feet with an acne pad. (yep the type that you probably used to fight pimples back in junior high)  Then slather a think lotion (like Eucerin or Aquaphor) on your feet.  Throw on a pair of socks, and when you wake up your feet look like they have been scrubbed and massaged all night.  They are soft and callus free:)


4. Did you know that you can get your groceries delivered to your door??  This service is not available in every area, but Safeway is expanding it more every day.  Head over to their website to see if they deliver to you. Where I live (Southern California), their Vons stores deliver to us.  The delivery cost is $12.95, but they make it so easy to get it for free.  Typically you can buy 5 items off of a weekly list, and your fee is waived.  They also have a baby section, where if you buy 1 item from it your delivery is free (I just stock up on wipes..can't  imagine a day that I will not need these).  Delivery is free for all first time customers, by using the code EASY7.  I can't tell you how much I love this service. 

I go online right after putting my son to bed, by the next morning my groceries are at my door.  They even offer to bring them into the kitchen for you.  You get all of the same in store promotions, and they usually offer a special free item with promo code for home deliveries.  My husband and I have discovered some great new items this way.  Another reason that I love this service, is because they keep a history of what you buy online and in store (when you use your rewards card).  So you can shop from this list, and easily get all of your favorites.  I use this list to remember what I need.  With everything going on in my life, I do not have time to run back and forth to the store for items that I forgot.  Their trucks are refrigerated, so items arrive in great condition.  This is such a luxury, I used to get paid $20/hour to be a personal assistant and do things like this.  Now you can get it for free:)   [My husband and I placed an order when I had my son, we came home to a house filled with groceries. Recommend this to friends that do not have family close by, and are expecting.]


5.  Do your hands feel like sand paper, and look like they have aged 100 years since staying home??  Mine did, until I started microwaving Olive Oil for 5 minutes (make sure it is not too hot) and then massaging it into my cuticles and hands.  I like to soak my nails in it for a few minutes, before massaging it in.  I do this a few times a week.  Don't worry a little olive oil goes a long way.  The best time to do this is before bed, then you can wake up with soft younger looking hands.  You can wipe the excess off with a towel, and it still works.


Now I just need to come up with a good trick to emulate sleep;)

Do you have any great tips??  Share yours below.  
I will send the best one posted today (8/23) a $10 Shutterfly giftcard:)

Fun Summer Hair :)

  
Little Orso Council Feature

What's one of the best perks about lugging the kids, their toys, the umbrella, beach chairs and etc to the beach other than a day of family fun???  The way the beach weather gives your hair the perfect waves. A nice soft wave that when pulled up falls nicely into place, or left down for that summer casual look. 

Bumble and Bumble came out with a terrific product called Surf Spray, I love it but it retails for 24.00 for 4oz. Being a stay at home mommy we had to cut back on a few things, and some splurges.

A few weeks ago, one of my clients walked in with the most amazing waves. She shared her simple way of making the waves at home

... A "Beachy Wave Spray".

Here is the recipe

2 cups of hot water

1 tablespoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 tablespoon of conditioner or hair gel

Spray on your hair, and twist into 6 or 8 sections and let dry. 

You can also spray it on braided hair.  When you take the braid out, you will have gorgeous waves:)

Her hair is typically stick straight

Every client that I have shared this with, has gotten big beautiful waves.  I have been using it myself a few times a week.

Now we can make summer last that much longer!

***Misty (The New Mom)- Misty gave birth to her first child, a daughter in January 2012.  She is a new mom, but has already discovered so many amazing items. She keeps me up to date with the current hot baby items. I also love the local hidden treasures that she has shared with me. She is a fabulous hair stylist, and former Disney Princess, so she has so many fun things to share with us :)

Charmed I'm Sure??!!

Remember how I promised to start including more items for parents, especially moms??:)  Well today I am keeping good on my promise, and I am sure that you will love it!!

My good friend Heather is a stylist for Stella and Dot. Recently I was over at her house looking at their new charm line, and I fell in LOVE!!

Not only are their charms fashion forward, but they make the best "mom necklaces".  All moms love to wear something to represent their children. (hell we deserve a medal after labor!!). We are proud of our kids, and it is nice to wear something close to our hearts that symbolize them.

This one is actually Heather's personal necklace...it has both of her kids' initials, a birth stone, and a sweet message.  I love it!!  But what I really love is how different every mom can make theirs.  They literally have something for every mom (grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister...).


They even have something for angel moms like me. A beautiful delicate angel wing... Finally a way to have all of your children represented on one item. (that is a huge thing for those of us that have lost a child)

  
The reason I am so excited about these, is because I hunted for months looking for something special after my son was born. I could not find exactly what I wanted, and had to settle for something close.  With these charms I don't have to settle, and am actually able to get something even better than I had pictured in my head. I also know how hard it is to find quality charms, that are still affordable... and these are very affordable!!

I had such a great time mixing and matching the options just for mine.  I am still having trouble deciding on my final combination, but did buy this "mom charm" (shown above). Engraved on it is the word "mom", in every language.

They even have an adorable paw charm, for those that want to include their fur baby:)  I have so many combinations going on in my head, that I think I need a second neck;)  Luckily the charms look really cute on bracelets too.  I know not everyone is a necklace person, so that it is a great option.

Head over to the Stella and Dot site, and make your own "story" today!!!  Heather is our official Little Orso stylist, and is available to help you with any questions.  She is amazing with coming up with cute combinations, and is the reason that I am even more confused than ever. She kept throwing out more adorable options:)

...here is a little video to give you a taste of the fun that Heather and I had designing our necklaces.