Don't get me wrong, THIS is how I really feel about makeup!

This afternoon I was going over my post from yesterday in my mind (please tell me I'm not the only one out there who does this), and it occurred to me that my last post makes me sound as though I am ANTI-MAKEUP. Record scratch!

Sometimes I wear makeup!

That is SOOOOOOO not the case. I am a huge believer in the POWER of makeup. Really!

I am NOT a huge believer in haters and shamers who try to tell women when they SHOULD wear it. Or that they are invisible if they don't. It's a stupid standard, men aren't generally subjected to it and they still earn way more money than we do.

HERE'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MAKEUP:
1. It's FUN.
2. It's CREATIVE.
3. It's POWERFUL

Yes, I actually think makeup can be used to give us an edge-when we want it to. "That's right, I showed up to this meeting, prepared to the hilt, and I STILL had time to treat you all to a kick-ass smokey eye. You're welcome."

I realized the power of makeup in my thirties, when I went from being a "behind-the-scenes" junior designer to being a "in-the-spotlight" designer, speaker and coach. I was never a big makeup-wearer and pretty much slid through the 80s and 90s on liquid eyeliner and occasional bright-red Wet 'N Wild lippy.

When I started to be more in the forefront of my life and business, I started to feel like it was time to either develop some actual makeup application skills or completely give it up altogether. My ratchet attempts at face painting were definitely NOT HELPING. It's hard to assert your authority in your field when your face is strictly from Amateursville.

Fortunately for me, makeup application is a learnable skill. And now that we have YOUTUBE? Jackpot! I have found the greatest products and techniques from some of my favorite Youtubers (a short list is below). It's even become fun for me to play around with makeup. Who knew?

The even better part is that people started taking me more seriously. Like, "Wow, if she can get her face and style together like this, maybe she can help me get myself together, too!" I also started to feel more confident about how I look, on and off-camera, because I knew I could deal with bad hair days or blemishes. I don't think men get the chance to feel that way very often.

HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I have to wear it all the time.

Sometimes I don't wear makeup!

I ONLY wear makeup when I feel like it. I certainly would never refrain from helping people or sharing valuable information on Periscope because I didn't have my "face" on.  I am getting pretty annoyed about these peri-trolls and their "Why are you even on Persicope without makeup?"

I've noticed that most of the men I follow on Periscope tend to look as if they spent as much time on their appearance as I do for my "Word of the Day" pre-workout scopes-only their version is to be unshaven, wearing a baseball cap to hide the bedhead. Know who gives them grief about it? NO ONE.  Of course they would never speak at a conference of appear on television looking like this. But they are sharing on Periscope on-the-fly, just like the rest of us, so WHO CARES if they need a shave? Not me! As long as they are giving me life-improving content, I'm good.

All I'm saying is, can we all just calm down about this? If you're on Periscope to see/chat up hot chicks in heavy makeup, there are literally thousands of other places you can do that. My scope is not one of them. The same goes for pretty much all other social media, too, as far as I'm concerned. Nobody gets to tell anybody what they have to say or how they have to look.

On the other hand, when I am made up and blinged out? You know I'm shooting as much video as I possibly can! Can't let that hard work go to waste!

I guess I'm just complicated that way.

I generally broadcast and post when the mood strikes (like now), and if that means my awesome, annual Fitbloggin selfie with Alan (@Sweating_It_Off) happens with a bare face, year after year...

There's a 3rd one of these somewhere...

so be it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are you a makeup lover? Hater? Do you think people shouldn't be online unless they look their very, very best, no matter what they have to say?

Are you dying to find some beauty Youtubers to hook up your makeup game? Here are just a few of my faves:
NATHALIE
CAROL
LORI
MARY
PATTI
SWOOZIE
KATHY
SHARON

Lastly, do YOU have a favorite beauty vlogger? Give them some love in the comments!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

VIDEO: New Haircut and DO YOU MULTI-TASK?

Hello all!

I FINALLY got a much-needed haircut! Many thanks to the incomparable Lisa for hooking me up yet again. There's a reason no one else has touched my hair with scissors for over a decade. Which got me to thinking...

Are YOU a multi-tasker? I still catch myself doing it from time to time. 

BTW-this is NOT part of my capsule wardrobe! I was on my way to teach a fitness class. If you're in San Diego and would like to come work out with me, check out my current schedule HERE-I'd love to see you in class!

Have a beautiful weekend, everybody!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

This content is not affiliated in any way with Weight Watchers or any other company and solely expresses my personal opinion

Vlogmas Gift Guide: SPINGYM and 3-WAY PONCHO (that is!)

Who wants a 3-Way for Christmas?

Can you tell how much I love to buy stuff off the TV?

Especially if a favorite Youtuber has done a review!

Here are two more great items that I'm sure someone on YOUR list would love this holiday season!

#3 The SPIN GYM! $24.95 at HSN.com

Here's Laurie's review of the Spin Gym that sold me on the product. She looks TOTALLY different now. I love her channel! And I love a Massachusetts accent almost as much as I love a Southern one.

#4 Suzanne Somers' 3-WAY PONCHO (that is!) $19.95 at selected retailers or at 3wayponcho.com 

The Southern California sun was giving me fits today, I tell ya!

If it weren't so close to Christmas I would have waited until I could get a better video made but I would hate for the special someone in YOUR life to miss out on a 3-WAY (Poncho, that is! I never get tired of that joke.)

In case you missed the original commercial:

And here is Patti (@Rxtsrmom) in her entertaining review of this amazing product-SOLD! Seriously I could listen to her say "Poncho" all day long!

Hope you are finding these gift ideas helpful. What cool stuff have YOU bought off the TV lately? Please share!

Happy Vlogmas!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was not compensated for these reviews in any way. I bought these items with my own cash and just wanted to share my opinions about them with you. :)

GIVEAWAY! Win a FREE pair of PRESCRIPTION GLASSES or SUNGLASSES from 39DollarGlasses.com!

Hi everyone!
I was seriously blown away by the quality of these glasses. Check out the video to learn how YOU can win a FREE pair of GORGEOUS PRESCRIPTION GLASSES or SUNGLASSES (up to $75) from 39DollarGlasses.com!



Can't wait to see if you've won? Shop now and get a 20% Discount off of your entire order by using this coupon code: AMB8kic83zw or by going to http://www.39dollarglasses.com/referral/nachomama

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UPDATE 2/13: AND THE WINNER IS....VIANESSA! Thanks so much everyone who entered and stay tuned for more awesome giveaways! Remember, you can still get a 20% discount off of your order at 39DollarGlasses.com by using this coupon code: AMB8kic83zw or by going to http://www.39dollarglasses.com/referral/nachomama

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Disclosure: 39DollarGlasses.com provided the product for the giveaway and for review, the above is my honest opinion-honest!

DARE TO BARE ARMS? YES I DARE! (Part 2) #DoveBeauty #Spon

Since last week's post about my adolescent "arm issues" I've been thinking a lot about those days and how I let a completely unfounded insecurity hold me back from enjoying myself and being comfortable during the hot summer months. I wish I could go back in time and tell that girl to take off her jacket, for Pete's sakes!

Freshman year me in 85 degree heat!

GIVEAWAY! A Summer Dress from Ross Dress for Less!

YAY! Summer's here! I'm already making my 4th of July plans, which actually start (for my family) on the 3rd with our "Dependence Day" Party! But what to wear? WHAT? If only there were someplace with perfect summer dresses at amazing prices-oh wait, there is! ROSS!

That's right, the good people of Ross Dress for less issued me another fashion challenge: this time, to find a great dress for the 4th for $25 or less. This one was SUPER fun because my local Ross had TONS of dresses that I liked, like this one...

NIFTY THRIFTY! Electric Ladylamp...

Hello all! Just a little "Nifty Thrifty" to help launch the weekend. I spotted this beauty in a local thrift shop just after we moved into our current home. It was love at first sight...

How did the Salvation Army KNOW I needed a lamp?

I am a sucker for a great "figure" lamp and am always on the lookout for one. This one was in beautiful condition and even the linen shade still looked flawless. I'm not entirely sure whether the statue is of a woman or a man-but for $4? Who cares?! The only caveat was that the switch seemed to be broken and the SA couldn't guarantee whether the lamp would be functional.

PODCAST Episode 18: Declutter Your Wardrobe and Improve Your Life

CLICK THE PLAYER TO LISTEN NOW!

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

Do you have clothing in more sizes than JC Penney hanging in your closet? Do you own clothing that is over a year old and still has the PRICE TAGS? When was the last time you did a CLOSET PURGE? Join me and my special guest, wardrobe stylist Debbie Roes as we discuss how decluttering your wardrobe can improve your life!

VLOG! Beauty Review: Wet N' Wild Nail Polish

Oops! I forgot to mention the names on the colors! They are:

Wet N Wild MEGALAST nail color in CLUB HAVANA #211B (that's the one I'm wearing)

Wet N Wild SPOILED nail color in PRETTY IN PINK #S015

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama


Disclosure: The items mentioned in this review were bought and paid for by myself.

REVIEW! Door.Ri for Impulse Only at Macy's #llblog

I have been wanting the perfect green dress for YEARS. Years! Don't ask me why, but there's something about a green dress that makes me think an Elizabeth Taylor moment might be possible for me after all. Ever since I was a kid and saw her in that green dress in Suddenly Last Summer, I've wanted a green dress for myself. You know the one:

image via Life.com

I've searched EVERYWHERE for my green dress, to no avail. Then, suddenly, Macy's sent it to me! I knew they were sending me a piece from their new Doo.Ri collection, I had no idea that the piece would be MY GREEN DRESS!

First, a little bit about the designer:

"Doo-Ri Chung has quickly established herself as a designer whose work is admired as much for its beauty as for its technical brilliance. Since launching her signature collection in 2003, Doo-Ri Chung has made her mark as one of the leading lights of the next generation of great American designers.  Within a year of launching her label, Chung was named as a finalist in the first-ever Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF) and was prominently featured in the Douglas Keeve film “Seamless,” which documented the challenges and triumphs of three talented designers with growing businesses. By 2005, she had been inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and in 2006 won the Samsung Fashion Design Fund Award, CFDA Swarovski/Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Design Talent and the CVFF grand prize. In that same year, she also became the first American designer to be nominated for Switzerland's Stella Award."

Doo-ri's designs are being released by Macy's as a wardrobe capsule this spring!

Yeah, I want THIS dress too!

According to Macy's, "The "doo.ri capsule" reflects the designer's signature styling and treasured craftsmanship that have made her an instant success. With modest, yet fascinating details, from the choice of fabric to her signature draping, the doo.ri capsule is a fusion of sumptuous and collectible pieces that can easily transition from day to night. Priced on average from $39-$159, the collection will feature soft fabrics, art inspired prints and feminine silhouettes, all grounded in blues and greys with red, black and orange infused throughout. The “doo.ri for Impulse only at Macy’s” collection combines collectible pieces that are modern, versatile and wholly feminine, representing a woman that is effortlessly chic."

I couldn't agree more! My Green Dress is light, comfy and effortless. I love the draping and the way it can be dressy enough for a wedding or casual enough to pair with a jean jacket for brunch. I can't wait to wear THE GREEN DRESS everywhere this summer.

It's looks a little blue in the photo but trust me, it's GREEN :)

Thanks, Macy's! I finally get to have my "Taylor Moment"!

If you've got a wedding, a graduation or even a hot date this summer, I hope you'll check out the new “doo.ri for Impulse only at Macy’s” collection. Let me know what you find!

Wishing you a fashionable summer with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was sent this dress for review by Macy's. The above is my honest opinion, honest! 

VLOG: Ross Dress for Less GIVEAWAY!

Sorry for the video quality!

Look at the awesome shoes I found-each for under $25 at Ross!

Nacho Mama GOES RED with Macy's #llblog

I am LOVING this Charter Club Dress!

Hello Everyone!

Are YOU going red this Valentines Day? Looking for the perfect dress to drive him wild? How about raising awareness about one of the most significant health risks of our time while you're looking smokin' HOT?

VIVA LAS VEGAS! How to put on 1.5 lbs in 4 days and look cute at the same time.

I feel like I've been away for AAAAAGES! So what have I been up to? Ummm...putting on 1.5 pounds?


WAIT! Hear me out!


Sometimes 1.5 pounds is a bargain when you also gain a TON of fun and learning. That's exactly what I got while spending 4 days at the inaugural Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Conference in VEGAS, baby! I've been a part of this awesome, dynamic group since it started and was NOT going to miss the opportunity to party in person with these FABULOUS blogueras!

Opening night dinner courtesy of sponsor BUCA DI BEPPO! (photo via Curves Ahead Makeup)

Four days with an absolutely brilliant and inspiring (not to mention FOXY) group of women, working on our skills and learning tools to become better bloggers and businesswomen. The seminars were awesome! First, there was the keynote speech by acclaimed author Alisa Valdes, of "Dirty Girls' Social Club" fame. WOW! We were super pumped after her talk!

Thanks for taking time to talk to each of us, Ms. Valdes!

We learned about branding, SEO and business planning.

Seminars is our EXCLUSIVE suite! Photo via Curves Ahead Makeup

 And the FOOD! It was too yummy to resist. The conference was held at the Tropicana, which I absolutely LOVED! The interiors were so fresh and sunny-feeling. And I adored every restaurant in the place. We even toured the "Mob Experience" museum at the Trop which totally fed my love for "Vintage Vegas"-WOW!

Hangin' at the Trop. Photo via Curves Ahead Makeup

But then? There was the FASHION. This was a pretty intimidating crowd, style-wise. Many of the ladies were fulltime fashion bloggers and they Turned. It. Out.

Like the aforementioned Curves Ahead Makeup. She and her partner run a business called Fancy Steps which offers unbelievable shoes like these:

They wore heels like these ALL THE TIME! Photo via Curves Ahead Makeup

Speaking of shoes....I was muy flattered when Illsay from Full Figured Potential asked to snap of photo of ME for her blog! WHAT?

Photo via Full Figured Potential

I was just trying to be comfy! And here this fancy fashion blogger wanted to feature my outfit on her blog! I was wearing pieces from this season's Jockey Person to Person Collection (of course). I like to be colorful but I think what really made the outfit (if I do say so) was the SHOES.

I want you to know, I was a little skeptical about taking these shoes to Vegas. I had been sent the pair of glittery "Sea Star" sandals to review by the company, Fibi and Clo, but only decided to take them at the last minute. OMG you guys! I could not BELIEVE how many compliments I got on these sandals! But what I really couldn't believe was how incredibly comfortable they were!  I wore them all over Las Vegas-even during our fabulous tour of the 2 million square foot Fashion Show mall...

Next time you go to Vegas, do NOT miss Fashion Show mall!! Photo via Curves Ahead Makeup

Now, I am not a "flip-flop" kind of a gal. I own only one pair of thong sandals and they are a VERY expensive pair of flats by Tory Burch, which are cute but tiring to wear after a couple of hours. I wore these Fibi and Clo sandals (which were even cuter than my TBs and only $45) all day and night! I literally walked MILES in these without getting tired at all. LOVE THEM! I hope you'll take a moment to check out their website and see some of their other yummy styles. I was wary of getting them without trying them on but found them to be true to size and even prettier than the photo.


It was such a fantastic conference, and NOT just for the fashion! Thank you so much Ana Lydia, Sujeiry and everyone else from Latina Lifestyle Bloggers for working so hard to make such a productive and unforgettable conference. I'd especially like to thank all the wonderful sponsors for being so generous in extending themselves to all of us.


And those 1.5 pounds? I'm back on track to remove them, counting Weight Watchers pointsplus AND working the Sensa weightloss system! They were one of our fabulous sponsors-but there'll be more on them later. :)


WHEW! I'm tired just writing about it! But it was totally worth it. I hope you'll check out some of the links I've mentioned here, and who knows? Maybe you can join us at the next conference!


Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama



PS-THANK YOU so much to Curves Ahead Makeup and Full Figured Potential for sharing your photos with me!


Disclosure: I was sent the Sea Star sandals for review by Fibi and Clo. I purchased my own ticket and hotel for the conference and everything above is my personal and honest opinion.

GIVEAWAY-It's the Ross "Back to School" CHALLENGE!

Hola everyone!

Like many of you who attended Blogher, I'm still recovering! It's taken a little longer than expected since I seem to have picked up a rather nasty bug from one of the 3,500 or so ladies I spent the weekend with. I hate being sick! It really gets me down. So I decided to cheer myself up by doing a little GIVEAWAY!

I admit it, I'm a Ross-aholic!

Before Blogher, I was contacted by the good folks at Ross Dress for Less to do a follow up post to the "Dress for Less" challenge we did a couple of months ago. THIS time, it's all about "Back to School". How much "Back to School" swag can I score at Ross for $25? A LOT!

Since I generously gave my "Blogher Bug" to my daughter, I figured she needed some cheering up too. So I found some seriously peppy school supplies that will keep her smiling well into the fall. WARNING: the following photo contains quantities of pink that may be unsuitable for cynical readers.

Here's the breakdown:

$10 Hello Kitty Backpack
$7 Hello Kitty Lunchbox
$2 Disney Princess notebook with matching pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, memo pad and calculator
$2 Assorted pink fancy hair scrunchy-thingys
$4 4-pack pink socks

NOT BAD, right? Think you can do better? Then BRING IT. That's right, I'm challenging one of you to take the Ross "Back to School" Challenge! One of you will win a $25 Ross gift card to help your kid(s) look forward to Fall.

Here's how to enter:
1. Leave a comment sharing what part of "Back to School" you're most looking forward to.
2. Like Ross Dress for Less on Facebook and leave a comment saying you did (or leave a comment letting us know you already do)
3. Like Nacho Mama's Blog on Facebook and leave a comment saying you did (or leave a comment letting us know you already do)

Maximum 3 entries per person, US residents only. Contest closes midnight PST, August 14th. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org and announced here Monday, August 15th.

Wishing you love and GOOD LUCK with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

PS-Those heels I wore while dancing in the Blogher flashmob? Got 'em at Ross.


Disclosure: The items mentioned in this post and the gift card for the giveaway were gifted by Ross Dress for Less. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own, folks.

Comfy, Chic style for EVERY SIZE-Jockey P2P Fall 2011 Collection is AWESOME!

Hi everyone! I'm still trying to get back into the groove after my whirlwind trip to Chicago. Yes, I was there during "the storm" but I didn't let the lightning and flash floods dampen my spirits! I was there to check out some serious fashion so that I could come back and share all the goodies Jockey Person to Person is offering this fall with YOU.

So what did I see? Many stylish ladies of all shapes, sizes and ages losing their minds for this new collection!

I'm going to just jump right in to the BIG news of the fashion show: Jockey P2P now has JEANS. Let's all just pause for a moment, here. O.M.G! The Jeans. Where to begin? Like everything else in the line, they are comfy, soft and have 4-way stretch. The professional models in the runway show could not stop talking about how much they loved them-and these were women who could wear any jeans on the planet. Believe me when I tell you that I saw 70+ year old, size 18 women who looked HOT in these jeans, ok? They come in 2 styles, Classic Bootcut and Modern Straightleg, which pretty much covers every bodytype out there.

Jockey P2P Classic Bootcut Jeans, $78

Jockey P2P Modern Straightleg Jeans, $78

My other favorite item? The AVIATOR JACKET. So chic! And sooooo comfy too. This is a jacket that you could wear ANYWHERE. I had to have one! It's made from bonded fleece (which makes it uber-soft) and is machine washable. What?  That's right, Nacho Mama does NOT do "Dry Clean Only"! I know I'll be reaching for this jacket again and again this fall and winter.

Jockey P2P Aviator Jacket, $169

Jockey P2P is definitely about "value dressing" - EVERY SINGLE PIECE in the collection is extremely versatile and can be worn a number of ways (like the Modal Cardigan). This gives you tremendous bang for your clothing buck and helps us all look fabulous whether we're sitting in a business meeting or chasing our kids-or grandkids!

One of my favorite pieces from last year's collection was P2P's Little Black Dress which, like the cardigan, can be worn dozens of ways. THIS season they've given us this stylish "wardrobe workhorse" in RED! Perfect for the holidays. It is as hard-wearing as it is soft and comfy. I'll be wearing it several different ways at Blogher-you'll just have to wait and see!

Jockey P2P Convertible Dress in "True Love" (also avail. in Black), $95

And here's a video that really showcases how brilliantly designed this dress is, just imagine how cute all these looks will be in RED!

One of the things that most impresses me about this new collection is how well the designers, Sunil Ramchandani and Maria Rosenthal, have integrated new textile technology. I adore this "burnout" fabric; soft enough to be called Jockey and totally on the cutting edge! It comes in an elegant cowl-neck top for $52.00 and a more casual hoodie for $59.00. Like most of the line, it is available in sizes XS to 3X.

Jockey P2P Burnout Cowl-neck top, $52 (also avail.in Marrakech Turquoise and Pink Scarlett)

I also loved the colors! Of course, Gray is HUGE this fall and "Black is Back" but color-blocking is still a big trend and the Jockey P2P Fall color palette is really fun to play with. I especially love this turquoise/teal, called "Marrakech Turquoise"-

Jockey P2P Ruched Turtleneck in Marrakech Turquoise, $62

And this RICH pink, almost a raspberry, called "Pink Scarlett"-

Jockey P2P Tie Tank in Pink Scarlett, $59 and Crepe Jacket (yes, it's machine washable!) $98

Last but not least, I was THRILLED to see my beloved Modal Convertible Cardigan back in the Marrakech Turquoise, the Pink Scarlett, Black, and this AWESOME Gray and Black stripe!!! Que Rockstar, no?

Jockey P2P Modal Convertible Cardigan in Black/Graphite Stripe, $82

I can't believe it, but in Chicago I actually learned MORE ways to wear the Modal Convertible Cardigan! Did you know it can even be worn as a SKIRT? REALLY! Check out this cool video with Jockey P2P Designer Maria Rosenthal as she demonstrates more ways to wear this versatile, cozy piece in it's new Fall 2011 colors:

Can you stand it? Jockey is also providing me with a 10-piece wardrobe for Blogher. From these 10 pieces I can create 10-16 different looks! These pieces will take me from the seminars to the lunches to the fanciest of parties next weekend, all for well under $50 an outfit . If you're coming to Blogher,  I hope we get to meet just so you can FEEL MY CLOTHES! Seriously, I will not be at all offended if you ask to try on my jacket or touch that burnout fabric.

Gracias Jockey P2P!

I absolutely adore this company! The clothes get better with every season and they've been so wonderfully supportive of me and all their Comfort Specialists, from it's Founder, Debra Waller, all the way down. PLEASE LIKE JOCKEY PERSON TO PERSON ON FACEBOOK to get their updates and see fun new ways to wear their pieces.

You can click HERE to see the complete Fall 2011 Catalog online, but you really have to try the clothes on for yourself to believe them. Contact your local Comfort Specialist (especially if she happens to be me) to schedule a Jockey P2P Trunk Show or Personal Styling Session.

See you at BLOGHER! Please be sure and look for me-I just might be the cutest blogger there. I'll definitely be the COMFIEST!


Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama


Disclosure: I was sponsored to attend Blogher 2011 and view the debut of the Jockey P2P Fall 2011 collection by Jockey Person to Person, for whom I am a Comfort Specialist. The above is my honest, personal opinion and does not reflect the views of anyone but me, folks.

MAS BIG NEWS! You'll get a sneak peak at the Jockey P2P Fall Line!

What a week! In addition to being nominated for a Blogs by Latinas award (in the BEST LIFE BLOG category-please vote for me!) I also found out that, in addition to sponsoring me to attend Blogher, Jockey Person to Person is bringing me out to Chicago tomorrow so that I can share the debut of the new Fall Line with ALL OF YOU!

You KNOW I'll be taking my yellow coat!

I'm so thrilled I can hardly pack! It's my very first time in Chicago and I can't wait to see the new line!

YOU can get the blow-by-blow (or "blouse-by-blouse") by following me on twitter @shesnachomama and on Facebook. I'll be using the hashtag #JOCKEYP2P

Plus? I'll finally get to see what I'll be wearing to Blogher!

THANK YOU JOCKEY PERSON TO PERSON-see you in CHICAGO!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I am attending this event as a guest of Jockey Person to Person. The above is my honest opinion.

Countdown to BLOGHER-It starts with the hair...

I am SO excited about the Blogher conference! Somehow having it in my own hometown makes it extra special. Of course there's the seminars, and the parties-but what I'm looking forward to most is meeting the bloggers I've been following and chatting with for years. If you're coming to Blogher, you've probably noticed that the conference chatter always leads to "What are you going to wear?"

If you read my previous post, you know that I'll be wearing Jockey Person to Person, since they're sponsoring me to attend Blogher.  I don't know exactly what I'll be wearing yet, since my wardrobe is coming from the Fall Collection which becomes available only a few days before the conference. SUSPENSE! This has made it a little challenging to plan very important things like shoes and jewelry, so I decided to start with the hair.

I get a lot of questions about my hair! I guess short hair is still pretty unusual? I went short about 12 years ago because I have a TON of hair and when it was long it 1. Gave me headaches and 2. Never dried. When I lived in the NYC metro area I got my hair cut at Bumble and Bumble in Manhattan (which was awesome) but after we moved back to San Diego, I had a very hard time finding someone to tame the mane. One day I was flipping though a fashion spread in San Diego Magazine and I loved the hair on all the models, so I looked up the stylist and made an appointment. And that's how I found Lisa.

Lisa @Saylula Salon (I designed that desk!)

No one else has touched my hair with a sharp implement in over 9 years. I never tell Lisa "I want you to..." because frankly? She knows about hair and I don't. I completely trust her to do her thing. I've followed her to at least 4 different salons, including her own, Saylula, which we designed together.

I'd put off getting this haircut for aaaaages, mostly because (if you follow me on twitter you know) I've had a very busy summer! My hair is out of control-let's just say I've been wearing a lot of hats! Here I am before:

And here I am after:

Is this the hair style I'll be sporting with my Jockey P2P? You'll have to wait for the tweets to find out!


Thanks Lisa, you're the BEST! If you're in the SD area and want an appointment with Lisa, just contact her at 619-702-6592 or email her at saylula@gmail.com.


Are YOU coming to Blogher? If so, I hope we can meet!
 
Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

The Perfect Vacation Wardrobe: 6 garments, 100+ LOOKS!

Ok-so I have a basic philosophy that all a woman needs in her wardrobe is "Ten Easy Pieces". 10 pieces that all work together and can be mixed and matched to create a month's worth of outfits. Does that seem impossible?

Then let's start small. With what I call the "vacation" wardrobe. SIX sassy pieces, that can be mixed and matched to create at least two week's worth of outfits. I'll be illustrating this concept using pieces from this season's collection by Jockey Person to Person (who are sponsoring me to attend Blogher-thanks JockeyP2P!) but you can benefit from these basic principles no matter where you shop!

 

FIRST: Pick 3 colors: a light color (in this case white), a dark color (in this case chocolate brown) and an accent color (in this case coral).

SECOND: Choose 2 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 dress and 1 piece of outerwear. Here I've chosen a sleeveless top, a short sleeve top, a cardigan, some pants, a dress and a pair of capris.

THIRD: Pick some fun accessories to dress the outfits up or down.

That's IT. Really!

From the 6 pieces shown above, you can create 4 outfits by wearing each top with each bottom. The dress can be worn by itself. Add the cardigan to each outfit and the dress and you get 5 more looks. That's a minimum or 10 looks from these six pieces, BUT-the Modal Cardigan can be worn at least twenty different ways!* Put all these variables together, and you get at least one hundred different looks from these 6 garments!! All these pieces together cost $340. That's only $3.40 PER OUTFIT.

So there you have it, 6 easy pieces for a stylish, versatile wardrobe. This is a "universal" concept that works for all ages, sizes and shapes. You can use even if you're shopping in your own closet!  But just in case you're interested in the pieces I used in the example, here are their names, prices and where you can find them in the Jockey P2P catalog:

1. Modal Blend Cardigan, $79, pg.6
2. Princess Seam Dress, $68, pg.3
3. Ruched Wide Strap Tank, $39, pg.5
4. Capri Pant, $54, pg.9
5. Lace Print Tee, $42, pg.21
6. Textured Crop Pant, $58, pg.21
(and btw? All these pieces are machine-washable!)
NOTE: The pieces listed here are from the Jockey P2P Fall 2011 Collection


So that's the basic idea. I'd love to know what you think!

Wishing you love and STYLE with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

*Don't believe me about that cardigan? Check out this video!  Jockey P2P head designer Sunil Ramchandani (who is even more charming and fun in person!) demonstrates just some of the ways this versatile piece can be worn. And please like Jockey Person to Person on Facebook -tell 'em Nacho Mama sent you!

Disclosure: I am being sponsored to attend Blogher 2011 by Jockey Person to Person but have not been compensated in any way for this post. The opinions expressed here are my own-honest!

My new post at San Diego Momfia: Learning from an Architect's Home

My latest post for San Diego Momfia is a profile of the home of architect Jim Gates and his family. The 1916 cottage has gotten a makeover and is now a comfy habitat for Jim, wife Lara, their twins and 2 bunnies! The couple have some good tips for living with kids and pets, click HERE to read the full article.

 

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Over at Rock On Mommies-Tips for Designing Your Dream Kitchen

My latest post for Rock On Mommies is about kitchens. This is the room in the home which always seems to raise the most questions from homeowners! Click HERE to see some of my favorite kitchen tips.

One of our clients asked us to incorporate some very personal elements into their kitchen design