Search Results for: label/swim 2010

As promised, I haven’t forgotten about the boys completely, although I do admit that it’s a bit more of a challenge to find really cute things for little guys. Here, my picks for casual, spring break style!

1. “Dressy Side Outfit,” $39-50, Tea Collection: Laid back but with a little bit of luxury, this is the way I would dress my son. If he would let me. : )

2. Swim trunks, $26 (through April 1!), Hanna Andersson: Hanna has some great swim trunks for boys this season, from bold stripes to cool prints. And they all boast matching rash guards and UPF50.

3. Lucky Fish tees, $38-40: The hippest, softest, coolest tees ever!

4. Christopher short, $39.50, Olive Juice: These make me so happy. I just thing the combination of crisp cotton and preppy gingham is summer perfection.

5. Ralph Lauren striped boatneck sweater, $115, Saks Fifth Avenue: Springtime in a sweater.

6. Stella McCartney Kids Max Banana Print Tee, $53: Who wouldn’t love this cheeky design?

7. Little Maven Tee and Swim Short Set, $52: Hip and classic at the same time. Love the color. Tori Spelling’s line is always a hit with me.

8. Pirate Rash Guard and Trunks, $24.99-26.99: Your little adventurer will love splashing around in this set.

9. Madras shorts and baseball tee, $24-25: Perfect for now through the Fourth of July.

10. Little Maven Navy Polo and Orange Short Set, $60, Forget Me Not Kids: Another winner from Little Maven – I love the twist on classic style. Cute!

I am a little obsessed with clothing that features UPF, the fabric equivalent of SPF – especially for my girls. It’s such a no-brainer, and so much easier than making sure that you never miss a spot with sunscreen, that you haven’t reapplied frequently enough, or that it may have rubbed off. The problem? Much of it is so ugly! Fortunately, I found a few lines that don’t sacrifice style for sun protection. Here, my favorites:

1. Cabana Life: The gold standard in stylish sun-protection. I love the styles and the quality of everything in this range. My girls have a couple of the rashguard sets, which feature adorable bikinis with matching short sleeved swim tees. I especially like the white set (above) and the hot pink set. We also have the matching cover-ups and hats, and love them!

2. Target: Target is a great source for cute, affordable UPF50 swimwear, and this bathing suit is one adorable example. And it’s only $10!

3. Hanna Andersson: I’m not a huge fan of most of Hanna’s current swimwear collection, but there are a few cute options, and they all have sun protection built in. This ruffly swimsuit is my favorite piece, and it’s only $28.80 for a limited time.

4. Mulberribush Swimwear: These absolutely adorable one-piece suits offer plenty of style and coverage as well.

5. One Step Ahead: This tutu swimsuit is one of the cutest UPF50 styles I’ve seen, and it has a built-in swim diaper for the littlest swimmers in your family. And even though it looks delicate, it’s guaranteed to last and can even be tossed in the wash! And right now it’s on sale for $24.95.

My beautiful, 20-something friend Nicole, a beauty fanatic like myself, is nearing the end of her third pregnancy. Her normally-flawless skin has suffered a few pregnancy-related problems, including some breakouts.

Novena was developed by a Miami-based esthetician, Jeanette Acosta, when she realized that her clients had very limited skincare options during her pregnancy. Novena is a completely organic skincare line developed with the safety of both mother and baby in mind, and it offers one of the only maternity blemish treatments I have been able to find.

Here’s Nicole’s take on the line:

With the chemical infused world we live in, I was so excited to start using these products. I have used chemical free products on the kids since they were born but never on myself and never while being pregnant. I am in LOVE with the fact that there is absolutely nothing you cannot pronounce on the ingredient list. I was familiar with the entire label. So here is what I thought…….

Organic Fruit Face Wash - “Deep cleans without leaving skin dry nor oily. Perfect balancing cleanser for all skin types Dissolves makeup effortlessly.”
The consistency of this wash is creamy. It has a light citrus smell and the suggested 4 pumps really does cover your face and neck well. After rinsing, your face feels perfectly hydrated and clean. Once out of the shower your face still feels really nice and nourished. I did however have to use a little extra sometimes on my eyes depending on the amount of eye makeup I was wearing.

Organic Cucumber Cranberry Eye Gel – “For the treatment of tired puffy eyes. Helps to minimize fine lines and dark circles.”

The smell of this product is so yummy I wanted to cover my entire body in it. I am a huge fan of cucumber water, drinking it almost daily. So the authentic smell of cucumber really hit home for me. The smell is so real because it is exactly that – real. Cucumber Sativus Distillate (cucumber) is #2 on the ingredient label. My eye’s were not once puffy while using the gel. I also noticed that the darkness under my eyes was lighter. As for the little bit of creepiness under the sinus of my eyes I didn’t notice any change.

Organic Bearberry Skin Brightening Moisturizer – “Helps reduce the acceleration of melanin (pigment cells) production. The acceleration is due to hormonal changes. Those changes cause the brown patches to appear.”

The moisturizer has a very nice pleasing fragrance. Its texture is creamy and light. The moisturizer disappears nicely into your skin. The first time I used the moisturizer my face felt tight and not moistened at all. However after a few minutes I realized that with aloe being the #1 ingredient this feeling was only natural. If you have ever opened a fresh aloe plant and used it on your skin you know what I mean. Once my natural oils kicked in my skin felt perfectly moisturized, balanced and not tight at all. I had to get used to the chemical free feel. It really is completely different and I noticed it most with this product because I wore it all day long and applied my make-up over it . I was afraid that my make-up would not apply well over the moisturizer given the tight feel my skin had. However I was completely wrong. My make-up was smooth, even and looked amazing. And like I said the tight feel doesn’t last long.
I always have had freckles which in the last couple of years have become larger and darker. After about two weeks of using this product I noticed the product had lightened my spots and my face was indeed noticeably brighter. Yay!!! This product is an amazing natural and cheaper alternative to a chemical or laser treatment.
My only wish for this product would be for an spf to be incorporated in it. (Beautymommy’s Note: A sunscreen has just been added to the line, so look for a review in an upcoming blog.)

Organic Citrus Blemish Lotion – “To help prevent and treat breakouts due to stress and hormonal changes.”
I love, love, love this product. I had a small blemish on my chin when I first received the line. I used it that night and by the morning my pimple was almost completely gone. I have used alot of creams and potions in the past with no luck. I have not had one breakout in 4 weeks and for me that is stellar.

I used the product every night before bed after cleansing. It has an amazingly familiar clean smell which reminds me of being at the spa and to end my day with a little spa feel you cant beat that. Its the perfect ending to a busy day. The lotion feels a bit cold and tingly when you apply it. This lotion like the moisturizer gives a really tight feel to your skin and again aloe is the #1 ingredient. However by morning time my skin felt really smooth and balanced. This is by far my favorite product of the entire line and will now not be able to live without it. This is a must have for anyone who frequents breakouts.

Tangerine Cocoa Butter Belly Cream – Greatly Minimizes the possibility of developing stretch marks and aids in healing existing ones.

I was unfortunately not able to use this cream. The smell was to strong for me. Cocoa and tangerine are both intense fragrances and for me it was just too much.
(Beautymommy’s note: Look for a review from another beautiful mommy-to-be in an upcoming blog).

Overall this line is super exciting for anyone whom is looking for a natural alternative to skin care that really works – especially if you’re pregnant or nursing!
I normally have combination skin , so by the end of the day or first thing in the morning I had an oily t-zone. While using this line my skin was more normal than it has ever been. I never had any excess oil on my face. The large pores which I have been complaining about in the last year or so are now non existent. Also as I previously mentioned my skin is much brighter.
So in the last 4 weeks my skin has drastically changed for the better. Pretty impressive. I feel lucky to have been introduced to Novena.

We leave for Chicago in one week for a family vacation, and I have just realized with horror that I have quite a bit to do to make myself look presentable for the trip. I have to:

Get my hair colored. The grays (which I’ve had since my late 20s) are really starting to show, and it’s scary. Its’ hard enough for me to find time for these things in a regular week, but with Lola’s daily swim lessons, it’s almost impossible. What’s even scarier is that this necessitates a 2-3 hour appointment, since I have so much hair, and it’s unlikely Suzie will be able to squeeze one in on such short notice.

Make a dermatologist appointment. This has been on my to-do list for months, and it might have to be postponed a little longer, until after the trip.

Waxing. Already scheduled for July 11. It’s the only thing I’ve been keeping up on.

Massage. My husband (love him!) suggested we go for massages together this week, which I desperately need, but I think that’s goin to hae to wait as well!

Mani/pedi: Have only had one pedicure, and no manicures, in the nearly 7 months since Eva was born, and much as I’d love to be all polished and chic for the trip, I don’t see this happening either.

Recently, I told a friend that I was going to start investigating one-piece bathing suits. Without missing a beat, she said: “I need to start investigating caftans.” Funny, but for many of us, so true. So I’ve decided to approach this body makeover thing backwards. Since there is a very good chance that it is going to take me the better part of the summer to improve the look of the scars on my stomach, as well as the muscle tone, and since I can’t hide under a coverup all summer long wtih a very active toddler who wants to be in the water (the worst part of motherhood for a couch potato like myself!), I’ve decided I need to find a bathing suit that will work for me in the meantime. Me, right now. I need a little more coverage around the middle to hide my scars, but I still want something sexy and not matronly. Fortunately, there seem to be a lot of options right now. So here is my list of potential bathing suits! Please vote and help me out!

My (Not So) Short List

A bikini I might be able to pull off!
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How cute is this!
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Do I dare?
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I’m short waisted, so I don’t know if I can pull this off…
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I would wear this tankini top with the swim skirt (see below)!
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Cute!
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This is hot, but I’m not sure it would hide my scars
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Not sure…
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Too conservative?
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Adorable!
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So glamorous!
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Imagine the tan lines…
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Bathing Suits I wish I could wear!

Mabye it’s actually her body I want…
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So adorable!
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This also comes in a tankini but it’s not nearly as cute!
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Love this!
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Okay, so it’s been a busy week. A very, very busy week. Between spring break fun (Legoland, the beach, lots of swimming with friends) and evenings filled with meetings and other commitments, I expected to be a little tired. But then Tuesday after we got home, I planted the girls on the couch in front of a show and crashed on the couch. Wednesday I was yawning and headachey during the entire second half of an unusually long Junior League board meeting. And Thursday I had a little bit of a fever. And I was completely, totally wiped. After the girls went to bed, I could hardly stand to look at my computer. Today, I am playing catch up, a little, so bear with me. Over the weekend, I plan to post some cute Easter outfits for boys and brother/sisters (a little late, I know), my next stylish mommy, and an update on my latest venture. So don’t give up on me – the week’s not quite over yet. In the meantime, I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and baking, trying to get through some of the produce I bought. Here is what I’ve made:

Salmon Oatcakes:
Super simple, healthy and economical too, I made these for dinner tonight. Simply whiz 3/4 cup of quick cooking oats in the food processor or spice grinder, and add 3 tablespoons water to it. Then mix it into a bowl with 3 5oz pouches of wild-caught salmon, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder and some chopped green onions. Form into patties and cook in a little olive oil in a skillet for about 10 minutes, until browned on each side. These were so good, but I do think a little milk or egg would have helped bind everything together a little better. They sort of fell apart. Really yummy with some balsamic glaze drizzled on top. I served these with organic roasted beets (the first time I have ever made them – they have always turned me off for some reason) and they were so good. Even the girls sampled them, after I did the sales pitch about them turning everything pink!

Clean Lemon Bars
It is rare that I blow myself away, but these extremely easy, clean lemon bars are so good they really wowed me, and my husband too. My girls, it seems, are not a big fan of lemon or lime desserts. Last summer’s key lime ice cream failed to win them over, and neither did the Ciao Bella Key Lime Graham Gelato I brought out today when the cousins came over to swim. : ( But anyway. These also took only about 10 minutes to make, and were so, so easy and foolproof. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of spelt flour with 4 tbs of cold butter and 4 tbs of a natural sugar, like turbinanado. Pulse until it resembles cornmeal. Press into the bottom of an 8″ square glass baking pan, greased. Back for 10-14 minutes at 350 until little cracks form in the surface and edges are beginning to brown. In the meantime, make the lemon part: 2 tsp lemon zest (I used slightly less because of what my lemons generated), 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice (or use regular lemon juice and add an extra tsp of sugar), 2 tbs of spelt flour, 2 tbs of sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Whisk together in a bowl for about a minute until combined. When you bring the base out of the oven, pour the lemon mixture on top. Bake again until it sets, 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. If you are lemon lover, you must try these. Sooooo good!

Kale Salad:
I just discovered that kale, uncooked, on its own, is sooo yummy. All I did with the fresh organic kale that I bought is tear it into bite-sized pieces (discarding stems), massage some oil and lime juice into it (apparently this step helps soften the leaves), and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving (also to soften the leaves). I added a little bit of blue cheese, but even without it, this was so, so yummy. I didn’t even need to add salt and pepper!

Next on my list: Kiwi Breakfast Cake, Crunchy Garam Masala Chick peas, Peach Pecan Snack Cakes, and Cheddar Sweet Potato muffins, so stay tuned.

I was born a bookworm. My mothers recalls that, even as a toddler, I would spend hours flipping through pages, and I remember my sister and my cousin going nuts trying to get my nose out of a favorite book. Once I was engrossed, nothing could tear me away. My sister, on the other hand, who is now an avid reader, wasn’t born that way. She fell in love with reading when she fell in love with her first book, or rather series of books, the then-popular Babysitter’s Club series. It doesn’t matter that the reading wasn’t particularly challenging or enlightening or that the writing might not have been of the highest caliber. What mattered is that these books turned her on to reading for life. Sometimes all it takes is one good book to turn a reluctant reader into an avid one. Maybe one of these books will do the trick for a reader in your life!

Meg Mackintosh Mysteries, $24.95/set of 4: This engrossing series features a smart, diligent female lead, something that can be hard to come by in young adult fiction. Designed to appeal to 7-11 year olds, each mystery offers clues in the form of illustrations as well as the text, allowing young sleuths to do some detective work of their own! Also fun for mystery buffs? Bella’s Mystery Decks, which offer 50 mini-mysteries in each deck. For ages 8 and up.

Learn Manners with the Sesame Street Cast, $9.98/set of 8: Even the youngest “readers” will love learning to share, take turns and more from their favorite Sesame Street friends.

Little Golden Books Boxed Set, $17.94/5: Reconnect with the classics with this sweet, old-fashioned set of children’s favorites, including The Poky Little Puppy and the Scuffy the Tugboat. A great gift for a new baby or a toddler.

Animals and Colors Board Book Sets, $24.95/both sets: Kids can learn the basics about animals and colors in a more artistic, culturally inspiring way with the Met’s captivating collections for little ones. The animal set (with six books), for example, reveals how different artists portrayed different animals, including Zoo, Backyard and Farm animals.

Hello Picasso!/Hello Van Gogh, $18.95/set of 2: Each of these beautiful board books encourages art appreciation in the youngest kids. I also like the Mini Masters boxed sets, $19.99, and the Touch the Art Board Books, $9.95 each.

Treasury of Illustrated Classics, $47.95: This boxed collection includes some of the greatest works of literature, condensed for young readers. With large type and beautiful illustrations, this set of 16 makes a great gift.

Little Pea, Little Hoot, Little Oink Box Set, $19.99: Three upside-down tales of unexpected behavior, from an owl that goes to bed too early to a pig that is much too neat.

Astonishing Pop-Ups, $19.99-29.99: The Metropolitan Museum offers these incredibly vivid, detailed pop-up books, and one is guaranteed to appeal to a child on your list. Subjects include: Castle, Aesop’s Fables, DC Superheroes, Gods & Heroes, Fairies, The Jungle, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Beauty & The Beast.

Vintage Reproduction Storytime Books, $29.95/set of 3: These charming reproductions of children’s classics look just like the originals, with die-cut shaped covers and sweet illustrations.
 

Elsa Beskow Library, $17.95 each: These turn of the century classics from the Swedish author and illustrator offer a charming view of life in another place and time, and are designed to appeal to 2-7 year olds. If your kids love these, then they’ll enjoy “graduating” to the wholesome, midcentury adventures of Flicka, Ricka and Dicka (three little Swedish girls) and Snipp, Snapp and Snurr (three little Swedish boys). Each set of 7 books is $49.95.
 

Classic Tales for Kids, $24.75/5 books: These classic books, designed for readers ages 8 and up, are abridged for young readers. Chooose from Classic Tales for Girls (Heidi, Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women and The Secret Garden), or Classic Tales for Boys (Robin Hood, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson).
 

Annotated Children’s Classics Set, $159.95/set of 6: These heirloom-quality, hardcover books are beautifully illustrated by Metropolitan Museum artists, and annotated to offer facts and insight interesting even to adult readers. Includes Hans Christian Anderson, A Christmas Carol, Wind on the Willows, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and The Secret Garden.

 
Storytime Book & CD Sets, $15.99-16.99: These folk tales are read by talented storytellers, and combined with the illustrated, oversized books, they are perfect for quiet time and long car rides. Choose from stories about Princesses, Pirates, Knights, and Faeries, or from double sets like Grandmother’s Stories, Magic Hoofbeats and Shakespeare’s Storybook.
 

Imponderables Books, $12.95 each: These fascinating books answer some of nature’s most puzzling questions, such as Are Lobsters Ambidextrous? and Why Don’t Cats Like to Swim? For ages 12 and up.

True Adventure Books, $24.95/set of 5: Kids ages nine and up will find these exciting, action-packed books to be completely engrossing. Titles include True Escape Stories, Heroes, Spies, Crime & Detection, and Survival.
 
Children’s Magazines: As a young child, I remember poring over my monthly issue of Highlight’s Magazine. I read and reread it cover to cover. So I was thrilled when I learned that Highlights now has an edition for younger children called High Five, and just like I did as a child, Lola eagerly awaits her monthly issue. We sit down and read it cover to cover, and almost immediately play the little cut-out game and make the recipe, if I have the ingredients. It’s one of our favorite activities. Next, I am going to get her a second magazine subscription, to Ladybug magazine, specially designed for 3-6 year olds. (There is one for every age group!)
 

50 Artists You Should Know Series, $69.95/set of 6: This is the kind of series you should have around the house, and appeals to both adults and older kids. This beautifully illustrated set makes an entertaining, easy reference, and includes titles such as 50 Paintings (Buildings, Architects, Impressionism, Artists, Buildings, Photographers) You Should Know. You can’t find the set online, but ask for item #80-004846.

Cherry Ames Box Set, $39.95: I stumbled upon these books, first published in the 1940s, as a preteen, and fell in love with the entire series. The first one I read was Cherry Ames Student Nurse, and even then I knew she was a good role model.
 

Storybook Classics on DVD, $99.95: When it’s time to break out the DVDs, these sweet stories should appeal to kids from ages 2 to 9, and are beautifully narrated by great actors like Meryl Streep and James Earl Jones.

I am so overwhelmed by the dizzying array of adorable, laid-back options for kids right now that I have to break this column into two parts. Today, I will cover clothes for girls that have you prepared for whatever your sunny spring break plans can bring, from beach days to casual dinners out. Tomorrow, the focus is on the boys.

1. Tankini bottom, $17, and ruffled top, $19, in tropical floral, Lands’ End: Lands’ End has come a long way since the high-quality but strictly basic tank suits they used to feature. This tankini is super sweet, girly, and features UPF 50, an essential in my book. LOVE.

2. Pillowcase Dress, $20, Hanna Andersson: These come in an array of prints and both jersey and woven fabrics. They are sweet, easy, and classic, and perfect for girls who don’t fit into the superslim styles.

3. Far & Away Swimsuits, $14-28, Hanna Andersson: I love the bold colors and fashion-forward prints (especially the Missoni-esque Flame print) of this collection, although all of Hanna’s current swimsuit offerings are standouts. And I also love the wide assortment of coordinating pieces, from swim shoes to coverups, and the fact that sun protection is built right in. And they are on sale until April 1.

4. Fiesta Top and Skort Set, $39.50: I love it when over-the-top adorable is combined with practical, and this outfit has it all. Comfy playclothes disguised as party clothes.

5. Ruffle dress & capri set, $39.50: More cute-combined-with comfy, this is the perfect play outfit.

6.  Bubble Playdress, $30, Tea Collection: Love this funky, comfy dress, in the amazing fabrics and prints that  Tea does best.

7. Pink Petals Bikini, $54, Chasing Fireflies: The girliest, floweriest bikini ever. Irresistible!

8. Candy Pink Pant Set, $148, Chasing Fireflies: Form meets fun-ction. (Sorry – couldn’t resist). This outfit is comfy enough for play and dressy enough for a party. Love.

9. Chino Ruffle Short, $54.50: J. Crew combines cuteness with comfort in these adorable shorts she’ll love all summer long.

10. Pocket tee bow dress, $29.50: The perfect easy-breezy summer dress, with style to spare, from J. Crew.

Fun Extras:

Hula Skirt, $29, Land’s End: Seriously. How could you NOT buy this. : ))

Neonwonders goggles, $16, CWD Kids: The cutest goggles ever.

Neat Knit Necklace, $12: Hanna always does these cute crocheted accessories, and this necklace is so sweet.

Crystal Flowers Purse, $45: Sure, she doesn’t really need a purse, but that’s not really the point, is it?

Flower topped flip flops, $28, Chasing Fireflies: A summer staple gets an upgrade. Too cute!

Bikinis are not my friend. In all honesty, they never were. Back when I actually looked decent in one, I was too insecure and critical to enjoy it. Fast forward a few years and two precious little girls… Two c-sections in a year and a half did nothing to improve matters, either in my actual or perceived bikini-body readiness. So I’ve avoided them, taking cover under retro-inspired maillots and cute coverups.
When I have dared to bring the string bikinis out of hiding, it was strictly for the privacy of our own pool. Still, Eva almost unraveled my whole bikini bottom by pulling a single string, and I felt like I couldn’t move or do the things I needed to do poolside with my girls when I was constantly adjusting. So my goal: Find a bikini that fits, that flatters, and that offers a little more support and coverage. I found myself in the overwhelmingly huge bathing suit department at the Bloomingdales on Michigan Avenue, under the expert guidance of the sweetest sales associate in the world, Florica. Her encouraging words? Think positive. Remember that my girls will appreciate it if I feel good about myself. Great advice. I had started the seach a couple of hours earlier at the Juicy boutique, but the lighting, and a recent lunch, made bikini-buying conditions unfavorable. I tried on this bandeau topped bikini first, and even though, in retrospect, I love it, I wasn’t feeling it at the time:

My other option, a one-piece swimdress, wasn’t enough of a departure from the blue gingham Juicy suit I already own. It was similar to this one, only white and strapless.

So, back in Bloomingdale’s, I tried on what felt like a million suits. The brands ranged from Splendid to Marc Jacobs to Juicy. I even took some pictures, but I have decided to spare you, so I will just show pictures of models in the same suits I tried on, along with my comments:

1. Splendid Bandeau Bikini (in navy, not yellow as pictured): Loved the fit and style of the bottom, and the floral print, but the top was made of a flimsy fabric and offered no support for the twins. Sigh.

2. Marc Jacobs Folly Floral and Tutti Frutti Ruffled Bandeau Top and Bottom: I could only find a picture of the bottom. I loved this, but the fabric was a little too flimsy and didn’t offer a lot of support. If I had bought three bathing suits, though, this would have been a contender.


3. Marc Jacobs Bella Striped Bikini: I loved this one, and the fit and flattery were fabulous. Very supportive on top. But I didn’t want to spend $250 on the coverup, and I didn’t want to leave it behind. Also, I’d already decided on two suits and wasn’t about to buy a third at the same time. Even I have my limits. : )

4. Juicy Couture Printed Bikini: The so-called hipster, or high-waisted, bottom, is a look I’ve always wanted to try. I hoped it would helped camouflage my tummy. Instead, it drew a very unflattering line straight across my midsection and made matters much, much worse. Pass. (Note: On a short-waisted person, like myself, the top of this hipster bottom fell just below the belly button.)

And now, for the winners of BeautyMommy’s Annual, Torturous, Bathing Suit Search:

1. Juicy Couture Dotted Bikini: The combination of ruffles, polka dots, and stripes had me at hello. And the fact that it is really well made, and that the bandeau top offers a surprising amount of support, made me even happier. I also love how the ruffles maximized my top half. It fits beautifully and I can move around in it too. Yippee!

2. Nanette Lepore Vixen Banded Swim Top and Siren Swim Bottom: Love Nanette, but had no idea she made bathing suits until now. Just when I thought I could never wear a triangle top again, I find this very supportive, ever so slighly padded one with a band underneath that helps lift the bust. The bottom fit well and offered just enough coverage without being frumpy. Also love the jeweled details. So pretty!

Almost set for a summer at the beach, the pool, and the yacht club… Now all I need is a coverup!

This is the last installment of notes from my mixer. Probaby the presentation I heard the most feedback about was the one on preparing quick, healthy meals – and it’s an area where I am definitely not an expert. I’ve just picked up a few tips from a combination of experience and reading/watching cooking experts. I could go on and on here, and someday soon I probably will. If you have any tips of your own to add, please do!

Planning is Key

Essential Kitchen Helpers
Slow Cooker:

A small slow cooker is also amazing for making overnight oatmeal and other hot breakfast cereals.

The Cast-Iron Skillet

Quick Cheats

The Last Word