Style day 5-Science Center and Chick-fila with my Elouise!

      I will start out by apologizing for my blurry picture but it is the only picture I took today. My style challenge today was to be stylish yet comfortable since I would be chasing my little monkey today. I am about to be super busy with cheerleading training camp beginning tomorrow so today was Elouise and mommy day!

Top- Python sheer button up blouse- H&M (Science Center sticker not included ;) )

Shorts- Black shorts- Banana Republic Outlet

Earrings- Gold clover earrings-Thad & Louise Boutique

Shoes- Tan and gold chain flat sandals- BCBG ( sorry they were not pictured)

Also in case you wandering on Miss Elouise's style

Outfit- Black and White Mudpie pants and top- Thad & Louise Too!

Shoes- Stride Rite- Amazon

Happy Wednesday!

GFFB,

Christy

Tuesday Day 4- Working at the Boutique again

7 days of style- Day 4

Blouse- White silk button up- Gap
Skirt- Blue multi color knit Kerisma mini-Thad & Louise Boutique
Necklace-Vintage belt
Shoes- Hot Fuchsia Platform pumps-Jessica Simpson

GFFB,
Christy

Monday Style Day 3- Working at the Boutique

Dress- Mint green and multi colored stripe dress- Kohls (Candies Junior line)

Necklace- Chartreuse yellow multi-strand necklace- Thad & Louise

Shoes- Nude studded caged gladiator heels- Aldo Shoes

* This type of dress is also great with flip flops and maybe a long gold necklace.

GFFB,

Christy

7 days of Style- Day 2 Sunday Funday

Sunday is church day. I firmly believe you should give God your best and that means getting ready in the best that we have for church on Sunday's. This might be a very southern and baptist thing for me , but I also never wear pants to church either. Growing up I wasn't allowed to wear pants to church and I think it stuck because I still only wear dresses or skirts on Sunday mornings. However, other peoples best might be different then mine but I still believe no matter what God deserves our best!

Here is my Sunday outfit today.  (This was after lunch with my family today, I promise I didn't wear sunglasses in church today ;)

Top- White Lace Peplum top- Thad & Louise Boutique

Skirt- Fuchsia Pencil Skirt- Target

Sunglasses- Black cat eye sunglasses ( I think I picked them up at the beach)

Bracelet mix- Turquoise cross bracelet bangle set- Thad & Louise Boutique

Shoes- Nude Pumps- Aldo Shoes

Handbag- Michael Kors -Christmas gift from my wonderful momma ;)

* As a side note the top and bracelets are still available at Thad & Louise Boutique  :)

GFFB,

Christy

7 days of style-Budgetista/Intermixer

A lot of my friends wanted me to do a 7 days of style post do I can give you a run down of what I wear and how I put things together every day. Most people seemed surprised when I tell them I shop at Target, Kohls, Tj Maxx and of course Thad & Louise all of
these are budget friendly shopping .

I have collected some more designer style pieces over the years which allows me to be a budgetista while intermixing some of my nicer pieces.

My first look is from last night. Saturday August 4th I went and got pizza with my family and some friends.


Here is a rundown of my outfit.

Top- Gold Bebe tank top
Pants-White denim from H&M
Shoes- Tan strappy heels from Forever21
Jewelry- Earrings and leather cuff-Thad&Louise Boutique. Bangle mix-Juicy Couture.


I will post my Sunday church look tonight!

Until then....

GFFB,

Christy

Statement please….

I just love a statement necklace! It can completely make your outfit and give it just the pop you need. This one necklace I have been my buying in so many colors has been my go to for the past two summers at Thad & Louise! This necklace is now popping up in every boutique across the country! Its one of my personal favorites and I own in three colors. I really have a necklace problem, I will have to give you guys a sneak peak of my necklace wall sometime ;) Anyways…a fabulous statement necklace in a pop of color can really make any outfit that more fabulous! Check out my fav below.

Even celebrities love this statement piece. Check out Cat Deely host of So You Think You Can Dance rocking this fabulous necklace!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Also, happy shopping www.thadandlouise.com is now open for business!

GFFB,

Christy

Let's Move!

Sorry it has been so long, I got to enjoy a wonderful week at the beach with my family and its been super busy time. I came back with something for all you Momma's out there. As most of you know my husband is a strength and conditioning specialist/coach and definitely has a passion for health. He has motivated me in so many ways to help lose that extra baby weight, be over all more conscious about my diet and helping me become HEALTHY!

( Sunset Beach, July 2012)

It has now become a strong passion in my life and one thing I have always loved is helping people and being involved. I was doing more research and found out that 1 in 3 children in the United States are OBESE! This is a nationwide epidemic and it is just getting worse!

How is this happening? Our children are watching to much tv, computer and video games and eating McDonald's in the car because we are to " busy" for anything else!

I will state that I am not a fan of President Obama because of what he is doing/saying about small businesses in America, but enough about that.

However, his wife Michelle Obama I find to be a very special lady and is doing so much to help prevent and help with childhood obesity in our country. She has started a organization called Lets Move. This organization tries to encourage families to get their children and themselves active and promote healthy eating within our families.

As a busy mom with multiple jobs I thought I would give you ways that you can promote healthy eating and exercise in your family.

I understand when someone tells you how super healthy their family eats it seems all perfect and tied up in a bow, you are just like that is un realistic, I am to busy etc. I say lets make this obtainable for the everyday woman!

Plan ahead!
 If you know you will be in the car all day and will have no time to prepare a meal at home. Pack your food for the day. You need to have a protein and a vegetable at every meal.I throw ice in a zip up cooler bag and pack some of the following items for Elouise. She is 19 months old so this will vary based on age. 1. String Cheese (excellent source of dairy and has protein in it!) 2. Edamame- you can steam these right from the bag into the microwave and even buy the unshelled ones ( great snack) this is a vegetable and a protein 3. YO BABY YO BABY YO BABY YO…..Sorry I just busted out in my mini rap but thats what I sing to Elouise and she love loves this stuff. This is yogurt but they hide fruits and vegetables inside. This is her favorite thing to eat!  4. Squeezies- this is what we call them. They are basically baby food in a pouch. Elouise will eat them straight from the pouch no spoon needed. They have every flavor out there and I only buy the ones that have vegetables and fruit so she can get more vegetables in. They also make applesauce this way which is also very convenient.

These are just some ideas of things I pack when we are out and about- I give her the dairy first off so it doesn't go bad but it can last a couple of hours in ice inside a freezer bag.

Ok, just so you dont think Im super health mom or anything I also let Elouise have the Puffs ( sweet potato, banana, apple cinnamon etc…) and her new love is Goldfish- I do buy the whole grain and this her favorite thing but we don't get them all the time. Some treats are fine in moderation.

In general two other things that will help is 1. NEVER NEVER eat fried foods there is nothing nutritious about eating a greasy french fry and especially for your child you are just teaching them a bad habit they will not be able to break. 2. Go beyond the kids menu! Have you ever really noticed the kids menu  is the most un nutritious meals on the menu but yet that is what they want you to feed your children!
Hamburger and fries, quesadilla and fries, mac and cheese, grilled cheese. The whole menu is quite golden and not in a good way. Share your meal. If you order nutritious, and that is the only option that is what they will have to eat, and you will save money. Most meals in restaurants are double the portion size. Another idea is to order sides like a sweet potato and green beans. This will also save you money and give them something nutritious.

If you start today by feeding your children nutritious meals it will be your start of ending childhood obesity! Also, you can help them learn the right way what to eat in the future. Obesity can cause Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Cancer and Asthma. You will be taking the right step to helping your child and their futures!

Also Dont Forget to MOVE!!! Shut off the tv, ban the computer whatever you have to do and go outside and play!! Find some activity for your child to do where they are MOVING! Nutrition is key to success but you also have to MOVE!

( Elouise at Gymnastics- She loves it and is great way for her to stay VERY active haha)

I hope this helps, and if you have any questions or need advice please don't hesitate to email. Jacob and I are really dedicated to helping prevent childhood obesity! Also check out www.letsmove.gov it has lots of great information and resources!

GFFB,

Christy

Beauty Bar!

Being a girl I love all beauty products! I thought I would share some of all time favorite products.

First off, you need to have a fabulous skin care line. I think taking care of your skin should be numero uno in your life. My skin care regimen is I use all Mary Kay. The ingredients are gentle on my face, they get it clean and it prevents aging! I wash my face every night and every morning. At night I use the following products;
Eye Makeup Remover
Timewise Face Wash
Timewise Eye Cream
Timewise Even Skin Essence ( sometimes not every night)
Night Solution
Botanicals Moisturizer ( Mary Kay recently came out with a natural skin care line and I like the moisturizer)

* I know that is a lot of products….but it is sooooo worth it and its like a mini facial every night.

If needed I use there acne cream and it works wonders too.

Also I use the Mary Kay Microdermbrasion Set twice a week and the Botancials Mask once or twice a week.

One other thing is SUNSCREEN!!!! I think I have already ranted about that before but it is soooo very important. At least SPF 15 or higher and for your face 50 and a hat are great! Protect that gorgeous skin you spend every day taking care of! You will thank me when you are older.

My BFF/Biz Bud Stetson is like a superstar bout to be driving a Pink Caddy Mary Kay lady! So, if you want to do a party or check out products she can hook it up! She also has a whole Mary Kay store in her apartment if you ever need anything!


Makeup- MAC, MAC, MAC- Ok I have loved MAC makeup since…forever I think. The foundations will stay all day and give you coverage and there color lines are just amazing! My eye makeup doesn't fade because there color has a such a great pigment. My all time favorite eye makeup color is Mulch and I usually wear that daily! If I could have a MAC store in my bathroom I would be one happy girl.  * As a side note make sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly, MAC even has a great brush cleaner if needed. Also shampoo works great!

Mascara- The most imporatant thing a girl can wear besides confidence of course. I have used Loreal Volumunious Mascara since high school and it works wanders. I love the new one they came out with a few years ago called Carbon Black because it looks so good on. One beauty tip I will say is ALWAYS wear black mascara, it will make your eyes pop no matter what your eye color. Also one coat is never enough 6-7 will do the trick :)





Hair Care-

I know you are supposed to switch up your shampoo/conditioner to give your hair a break but oh my do I love K Pak Joico it is amazing and it smells great. I have super thick hair and it condidtions without making my hair too slick or to dry. I always come back to this!

Since my hair is thick I use two products on my hair before I dry it. They are both by Sfactor one is the body booster and the other is the Smoothing Serum. I love both of these products one gives you a little extra boost and the other smooths all those crazy hairs and prepares it for drying.

Hairspray-

I think I have 7-8 cans of hairspray under my sink. I love hairspray! Different hairsprays accomplish different things so you have to be particular about which you use.

One to style, one to set, one if your hair is curly, one if its straight, you get my drift.

My 3 favorites are the following

CHI- Enviro Flex Firm Hold Hairspray this is great to style your hair, its light and gives you just enough. As a bonus it smells like Mens Curve which I love!

Loreal Elnett- I dont know if you have heard of this hairspray or not but apparently this was Hollywoods best kept secret for years and it was only available in Europe. This has great hold and you can brush it out. Also you can buy in a mini can to keep in your bag!

Sfactor Vivacious- When I was a TopCat for the Carolina Panthers they used this on our hair and it literally gives life to hair. This will help you achieve texas high beauty queen hair. I swear by this spray when I curl my hair but I only use to set my hair not to style because it can be sticky if you use to much!

 I just have to add one more but its not for me it is for Elouise. Every night after her bath we use Johnson and Johnson Bedtime Lotion on Elouise it has a calming lavender smell and we give her a baby massage and she smells so good and she loves it too.

I hope your enjoyed my list of products I love to use and let me know of any products you love!

GFFB,

Christy

The perfect sunless tan!!!

      Ok, so we all know that a tan just makes everyone feel better. You feel skinnier, clothes look better and our teeth look whiter. I will not lie, God gave me medium olive complexion so I can tan very easily. I do love a  good summer tan from the beach; however, I do not like tanning beds they are a proven factor of skin cancer and they cause wrinkles etc so as a whole that is the not the best route to go when it comes to getting that perfect summer glow.  Here are the rules I follow;

1. Always Always Always wear sunscreen never anything less than SPF 15 and as a bonus I wear SPF 50 on my face daily!!!
2. Wear a hat even with 50 on my face I wear a Hat and of course some big ole sunnies (sunglasses) you want to protect your face more and your eyes!
3. Always paint your toes ( Ok nothing to do with sun and tanning but if you are on the beach you need to have a perfect pedicure or diy anything but bare toes!) * I will blog all my favorite nail colors at another time!
4. Sunless Tanning is your friend!

Welcome to the world of sunless tanning. I have tried sooo many different sunless tanners and I have finally found the most perfect one ever! I will give you my reviews on each one below.


1. Jergens Natural Glow ( Drugstore, Target etc…) **


I think that Jergens was one of the first gradual tanners on the market. This used to be staple that I would keep in my bathroom and use all the time but honestly having to wait 5 days for a tan wasn't my favorite thing to do and the smell of it is quite strong and I just dont feel the over all look was worth the wait to begin with.
I give it 2 stars for not turning me orange.














2. Neutrogena Fine Mist ( Drugstore, Target, etc) *


This one is more instant/overnight. I used to spray this one and then sleep on it and the next day I would be tan.  It will make your sheets/pillowcase orange brown so not a good look on our nice 1000 thread count wedding present sheets!!! I also  think it can make you look a little orangey. One summer in Charleston I think I was a lil oompa loompaish espcially hands and feet! However I did like to spray this one on my face to get color. My face is usually a good 3-4 shades lighter than my skin because I keep it very protected! I give it one star for making me look like a character from Willy Wonka ;)





3. Victorias Secret Beach Sexy Tanner ( Victoria Secret) ***

I actually liked this one for a long time. One huge problem was they only sell it during summer months! Hello, I need a little color more in the winter than anytime! This one works pretty good but the other problem was the smell is a little strong and the formula changes a lot from year to year. This one was better than drugstore brand and the color would turn out pretty sometimes but still not my favorite. I give it three stars!



4. Nivea Sun Kissed Firming Moisturizer **


This one is a lot like Jergens but I do feel the color is a little bit better. I wear Nivea lotion every day so this was a good one for me to use in addition. It is the same concept that it is gradual, however  I do think the color came a little bit faster than Jergens.  I would compare to the Victoria Secret color wise. It still wasn't the end all for self tanners. It says it firms too but I feel you can only firm by hitting the gym, haha. I feel that these type of lotions can only get you so tan. I give it 2 stars.














5. Mystic Tan ( local tanning bed) ****


This one you cant do at home but its where you go to a tanning bed and you are spray tanned inside a booth. They have 3 different colors ( 1-3) This was my absolute favorite thing to do to get tanned. I would go the night before a big event and sleep on it and the next day I would have a perfect tan no spf required! The other ones above I felt were just fillers never giving me as good of color as a mystic tan. Suggestions for Mystic is when you put the lotion on feet and hands (barrier lotion) I literally cover my hands and feet and make sure it looks like I have gloves and socks on.  Negatives from Spray Tan is that you have to go tanning bed to get it done, you have to wait like 6 hours before showering and it is very expensive ( level 3 is $30 a session). My tan lasts about a week so that is a big negative for me as well. However to this point it has been my go to for special occasions. I give it 4 stars ****






Drum Roll Please…..




THE BEST SELF TANNER I HAVE EVER USED!


6. DIANA B. 60 SECOND MIRACLE TAN *****


 My best friend Stetson aka biz buddy walked into the store super tan and I was whoa you look great! (She  normally has beautiul porcelain doll skin) The color was so good on her and she told me she was able to get tan in 60 seconds! We went on a trip together that weekend and I tried this "miracle tan" and it was the most gorgeous tan I had ever seen! I was hooked so I had to go online and order my own  miracle tan. Here is how it works you take a shower as normal ( exfoliate, shave etc…) you then put on a pair of gloves provided move out of shower stream and pump 10 pumps into hands and lather over top half of body then 10 more pumps for lower half and you wait 60 seconds ( I continue to blend everywhere while waiting) It is a dark chocolate color so you can see everywhere it goes. Then you step back into shower stream and wash off and  then when you step out of shower  you have a gorgeous new tan!!! Did I add that it smells like chocolate with no stinky tan smell????  This is so amazing and diy! This stuff is amazing and I have finally found the best self tanner out on the market and it works on every skin type which is what is so amazing about it. So where to buy?? As a boutique owner my next step was to get it in our store, so I am so excited to say that we have Diana B 60 Second Miracle Tan available at Thad and Louise Boutique. So come get your own bottle of miracle tan today!  We also ship if needed~

Stetson and I at Charleston Fashion Week 2012 with our Diana B. Tans!

Hope you enjoyed my reviews of self tanners and I hope it helps you too!

GFFB,

Christy

Grain Free?? Paleo?? NO BREAD!! WHAT???

         So, about a month ago I started my new nutrition and exercise regimen with my wonderful trainer who happens to be my husband! Jake has his Masters Degree in exercise physiology and has elite certifications in Strength and Conditioning etc…  Lets just say my man knows his stuff!

Lets be real though as his wife I haven't really listened to him about exercise and nutrition lets just say ever because well you know he's my husband and Im stubborn!

Well, I finally buckled down and listened, when I told him I wanted to tone up lose a couple of lbs for swimsuit season!

So, one month ago I started working out 3-4 days a week with his workout classes and I started the dreadful nutrition plan (diet). His plan is mostly Paleo which consists of not eating ANY GRAINS! That includes; breads, pastas, chips, sweets ( really any bad carb or good stuff you can think of)  First two weeks I will not lie it was really hard!! I think at some point tears were shed.

So I was told to eat protein every meal and have 2 snacks in between.

Example of what I eat

Breakfast- Smoothie ( protein powder, strawberries, peaches, greek yogurt milk)

Snack- Apple, Cheese stick

Lunch- Grilled chicken, all natural sweet potato chips ( found at our local Healthy Home Market)

Snack- Edamame ( I get in frozen section and takes 5 min in microwave and add a lil sea salt)

Dinner- Pepporoni Pizza and Choclate Chip Cookies….I bet you are like whaattt??/

Ok so I have found a recipe for grain free pizza and choclate chip cookies.  Most Paleo things are made out of Almond Flour and Almond Butter ( so if you are allergic to nuts you might have to do some more reserarch) 

http://www.paleoplan.com/2009/12-02/paleo-pizza/ 

Just a couple of additions- I add Italian Seasoning and Garlic Salt to the crust and you can do whatever toppings you want and you have yourself a gluten free grain free pizza! Woo Hoo I can live again!

OK the best part is the Ooohy Gooyie Chocolate Chip Grain Free Cookies ( I swear these are better than regualar ones) I actually have been baking for like a month straight trying all kinds of recipes and I have devised my own and they are AMAZING!!!

Ooohy Gooyie Choclate Chip Grain Free Cookies

1 Cup Creamy Almond Butter
1/4 Cup Raw Honey
1 Tsp Baking Stevia ( Sugar Subst.) ( or more if you want them more sweet)
1 Egg
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Dash or two of Cinnamon
1/2 cup of Ghiradelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips ( the better the chocolate the better the cookie!

Pre heat oven to 350

I put almond butter and honey and get that good and mixed up then I put in Stevia,baking powder, sea salt, 1 egg ( I beat in bowl of mix) then after good and mixed up I add the Vanilla and Cinnamon. Then you will add you chocolate chips and get them all mixed up with mix. This will be much stickier than regular cookie dough.

Spray a cookie sheet or put down parchment paper and just take a spoon or your hands and put your dough balls on paper or greased sheet, make sure to flatten them down because they will not rise like normal cookies! Put them in the oven for 8-10 minutes and let them cool and then you will have super delicious Oohy Gooyie Chocolate Chip Grain Free Cookie!

I have lost 2 inches in my stomach, 4lbs and an inch  on each thigh and I have not had a headache since I started this diet! I have never felt better in my life and I have found substitutions for things I love to eat!  This really does work and I am so glad I finally listened to my husband…haha

If you are in the Hickory area and looking for a change in your life to feel better, lose weight, get in shape call Jake at 828-228-5227 at Carolina Pride Athletics!

Jake and I are going to go eat our cookies and watch a movie since miss priss is already asleep for the night!


GFFB,

Christy

Whats hot right now??? High low hems are all the rage this season! I called this back in 2010 when I wore a high low dress to the 2010 Heart Ball. My friends have always joked that I can be a couple years ahead of what's going to be in. Haha!

So where to buy high low dresses?

We just got one in today at Thad & Louise Boutique. Its a gorgeous Jade Green Judith March!

This wont last long so get yours today! Our website is currently being redone so check us out on facebook.com/thadandlouise.

GFFB,

Christy

GFFB!

GFFB??? GO FIGHT FASHION BABY!!!   That is my life in a nut shell. I coach a college cheerleading and dance team, I own a boutique with my best friend Stetson which was my life long dream and most importantly I am the mother to the most precious thing in my life Elouise! I have tried to start blogs before but I am not going to lie I did not follow through. As a boutique owner I have a lot of people that asked if I had a blog so I decided it was time I actually go through with one! I will post things about cheerleading and dance, fashion of course and my family. I hope you enjoy! I will start you off with a picture of my lil monkey Elouise!

GFFB,

Christy