Friday Five: Summer-Inspired Favorites

Happy Friday! Summer is nearly here, I can't believe it! So here are some 5 summer favorites I found…

Favorite Cover-up:
{The Goddess, maajiswimwear}

Favorite Look:
Joie outfit {the Alizeh top, Maylie shorts}

Favorite Crossbody:
Rebecca Minkoff {the Ascher in light turquoise} 

Favorite Nude Shade:
{www.essie.com}

Favorite Scent:
Illume Soy Candle {Island Coconut www.target.com}

What are your summer favorites?

Xx-Kristen

3 FAV: Superfood Smoothies (Great for Expecting/Nursing Moms too)

I'm a BIG health-smoothie-makin'-kinda girl (during my pregnancy especially)! 

I try to make a nutrition packed smoothie at least 3 times a week. 

I've been making healthy smoothies consistently for 2-3 years now. I usually rotate between a few basic recipes (like, my go-to: coconut water or unsweetened almond milk, kale and/or spinach, banana and some kind of frozen fruit). 

But when I'm looking for inspiration or want to change it up, I refer to the ultimate smoothie book, written by Julie Morris, Superfood Smoothies. 

This book features 100 nutrient-rich recipes packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. 

A few of my favorites from Superfood Smoothies are:

1. Cherry Vanilla :  2 cups frozen cherries, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tbsp almond butter, 2 cups coconut water, 1/2 tsp wheatgrass powder, 2 tbsp vanilla extract, sweetener to taste (optional). If you want a Superfood Boost, this recipe suggests to add:  1 tbsp chia seeds

2. Watermelon Cucumber (sooo refreshing!):  4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 2 cups chopped peeled cucumber, 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp minced fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 cups ice, sweetener to taste (optional).
Superfood Boost: 1 tsp wheatgrass powder

3.  Raspberry Almond:  2 cups frozen raspberries, 1/4 cup pitted dates, 2 tbsp almond butter, 2 tbsp acai powder, 1 tbsp cacao nibs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups coconut water, 1 cup ice, sweetener (optional).
Superfood Boost:  Use dried mulberries instead of the dates

Find this book at:  Amazon.com

Get your Smooth On! ;)

Xx-Kristen

The Essie 2014 Neon Collection

http://www.essie.com/#

"The Essie 2014 Neon Collection celebrates stylish girls around the world struck by fashion fever." 

-Essie

Ohhh, the start of summer…Don't you LOVE it?! Brights and prints are seen everywhere now. 

Essie, does not disappoint when it comes to freshening up your look for the summer. With this 

Neon Collection, let the fun, sassy fashionista out!

Right now, enter for your chance to WIN: the "Summer Beach Essentials" giveaway!
Enter online by clicking here

Try out these fun shades the next time you go get a manicure.

Xx-Kristen

Black Elderberry Syrup: A Natural Remedy for Your Kids, That Works!

www.gaiaherbs.com

"This great tasting all-natural syrup, made from Certified Organic Black Elderberries and added Acacia honey, can be taken by children daily or on occasion to support their immune systems. Honey offers tasty and soothing support for the upper respiratory system. The formula contains no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup." 

I'm a HUGE Gaia Herbs fan. I believe in herbal remedies & its potency to do what they're intended to do.

Last week, my family and I were on vacation and of course, my 1 1/2 year old son developed a runny nose/cold on our 2nd day away. While we were gone I resorted to using Infant's Tylenol for a couple of days. But I noticed little-to-no difference in his condition. When I arrived back home, I purchased this Black Elderberry Syrup-- read about it here. 

Elderberry is known to be very effective in supporting the immune system, and a remedy against the cold & Flu virus.

I gave my son his first dose late that afternoon, and his second, just before bed. I was pleased to see that when he woke up the next morning he had NO runny nose-Yay! I continued giving him the syrup for 2 days (he actually liked the taste too). My son recovered quickly. I was so surprised!

I definitely think Elderberry is worth keeping in your medicine cabinet. I hope you give it a try & see if you notice any difference. 

*Always read labels and follow dosing instructions accordingly.

You can find Gaia and Gaia Kids products at Whole Foods Market. 

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com 

Retail price: $20

Xx-Kristen

Bloglovin' for Blog Lovers

 I just downloaded the Bloglovin' App for iPhone today.
As many of you may know, I started a personal blog discussing, natural/organic beauty products, recipes, baby products, lifestyle and motherhood called, Natural Maven.
I decided to download Bloglovin' on my phone so I can easily follow my favorite blogs, and blog lovers can easily find & follow mine too :)
It's simple to use! Download the app and start following your favorite bloggers, or get your blog noticed!

Xx-Kristen

Safe & Natural Hair Products for Babies & Up

Original Sprout

www.originalsprout.com

Natural Family Collection of hair & skin care products.

"Free & Clean

No Parabens, Nanoparticles, Titanium Dioxide, Tea Tree, Fragrance, Mineral Oils, Musk, Sulfates, Gluten, Soy, Honey, Peanut or Dairy 

& 100% Vegan." 

I first discovered this brand when I went to take my son to get his first hair cut. My son has a lot of soft-wavy hair. I wanted to try this product to see if his soft waves would be maintained throughout the day. I purchased the "Natural Curl Calmer," from their line for soft, smooth waves & curls. 

I have to say, I'm really pleased with this product. It has a lovely scent, it does not leave his hair crunchy or stiff, and his waves look nice throughout the day. 

I really love the fact that this product is FREE of all ingredients that may be harmful to your baby/child and their hair or skin. And BONUS, for any of you looking for a great product FREE from any allergens too like, Gluten or Soy that may irritate your child! 

Check out Original Sprouts other hair or skin care products for your little one (or even for yourself), they carry products for all ages.

Here is a photo of my sons cute waves. Now tamed nicely thanks, to this product.

Xx- Kristen

Hand Made Maternity Gowns & Children's Boutique Clothing

Handmade Maternity gowns, Maternity/newborn photo props, and Children's Boutique 

made by: Sew Trendy Accessories 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewTrendyAccessories?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav

I'm so glad I found this shop on Etsy.com! I was looking for something ethereal and different to wear for my own Maternity photo shoot coming up & luckily, I came across Sew Trendy Accessories!

The dress pictured above, (open front to show of belly) is similar to the one I chose. I received it already (delivery was easy and fast). 

In person the gown is beautiful & the material is so soft. I'm very happy with it. I highly recommend  

checking out her site. There are many choices of gowns, props, and children's clothing to choose from. Most gowns, you have the option in picking an open front dress; or if you feel the dress is too sheer, you may chose to add an extra layer of dress.

Happy Shopping!

Xx-Kristen 

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift

I've been there... We ALL have (shameful to admit)!
You have less than 48-72 hours to purchase mom a Mother's Day gift, and you're scrambling for any last minute gift ideas--aahhh!!!

Well, I always think that every mom would LOVE a day at the Spa. It's a sure way she will have a day of relaxation and pampering. Pick your top 3 resort spas, and start calling for available appointments.
If you're here in South Florida, my top 3 picks are:

LAPIS the Spa at Fontainebleau. It's a beautiful and luxurious spa, with wonderful amenities. 

LAPIS has May Specials going on now!

to inquire about treatments, email lapisspa@fontainebleau.com or call 305.674.4772.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. Another ultimate escape destination your mom would LOVE!

to inquire about treatments, email momia-spa@mohg.com or call 305.913.8332.

The Seagate Spa at The Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, FL. Your mom will surely love the arrangement of spa services available here!

to inquire about treatments, call 561.665.4950.

Make your own Gift Basket!

Most Mom's love gift sets. I love the sets by Nourish Organic.

Nourish Organic, states to be the "first company in the world to develop USDA-certified organic beauty products." Nourish Organic products are made with only fruits, vegetables, and plant extracts. 

Your mom will be indulging in wonderful body products!

There are No parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, or artificial ANYTHING used in these products.

Nourish Organic products are conveniently available at:

Whole Foods, Target, Vitamin Shoppe, Wegmans and many more locations.

The sets retail from $29-$39. And if you can't find a set, MAKE YOUR OWN! If purchased individually, expect to pay between $8 and $14 per product, depending on what you choose.

Choose your favorite scent, and a grouping of 3 or 5 items make a nice basket/bag set. Put a ribbon on it. And you're DONE!

When all else fails... order those flowers NOW! :)

Happy Mother's Day!!

Xx-Kristen

SPF's with Multiple Benefits

I'm so happy now that the beauty industry has merged several skin care products into one! For example, the BB creams, CC creams, SPF's with anti-aging ingredients. All of these products have more than one benefit for our skin. These help us to Protect, Conceal, Repair and Prime our skin for the day ahead.
Less steps for us ladies!
I would like to share 2 products with you:
Supergoop! Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum, and Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream

Supergoop! is a company dedicated only to sun protection and anti-aging. Using good-for-you ingredients, Free from Parabens, Synthetic Fragrance and Oxybenzone.

This Sunscreen serum has customer top rated reviews across the board!  

Supergoop! Has been featured in publications such as, New Beauty, SHAPE, Parents, SELF, Vanity Fair, VOGUE and much more!

What's so great about this light-weight serum?

Well, how many SPF's out there do you know of are actually serums?!

It's light-weight, helps to battle the signs of aging, protects your skin from harmful UV damage and it readies your skin for the rest of your long day.

Here's the description mentioned on the Supergoop! website: 

What makes this "Goop" Super

-Vitamins E and B5 aid nutrient absorption and cell renewal 

-Hydrovotin 24 stimulates the skin's natural moisturizing agent so skin stays hydrated without the need of a heavy cream 

This lightweight serum is perfect for all skin types. 

*On their website, http://www.supergoop.com  you can find a selection of lip balms, eye cream, lotions and more! 

Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream is an anti-aging treatment, sunscreen, complexion corrector, moisturizer AND tint all in one. I personally own and love this CC cream. I just rub this on in the morning, and usually, on my regular day it's all I need. Because of the tint in this product it helps to "correct" your complexion. I love knowing that in ONE product I have all I need for the day! What makes this CC cream different?  

It has Arbutin and Camu Camu. 

Camu Camu, is an Amazonian super fruit that has 30 TIMES MORE vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C is essential for your skin. It helps improve collagen production in order to create more beautiful vibrant, firmer skin. It also helps to protect you from further skin damage. Arbutin helps to even out your skin tone- it has skin lightening properties. The wonderful tint corrects your complexion right away. Hiding some imperfections so you can just use this if you like, or add your foundation/powder atop. Finally, the SPF helps fight against future damage and keeps your skin looking beautiful!

Available at Sephora, QVC.com and http://www.peterthomasroth.com

Now that summer's approaching fast, take care of your skin…throughout the summer & all year long!

Xx- Kristen

I'm Baaaaack!!!

Ok, So, It's been a minute since I have posted ANYTHING!! Life just got in the way.
Since my last post, My husband and I found out we were expecting our first child! So naturally, I was consumed with all things baby!
And of course my new role as Mother took over as well.
I am now expecting my second son- YAY!
I would love to post some new beauty products/ideas & opinions, when I can. My skin has changed a lot going through now 2 pregnancies, nursing, etc. and I've had to change/add products throughout.

Well, I'm glad to start sharing away- So stay tuned! And please, feel free to share your thoughts and comment away!

Xx- Kristen