I love the way it goes on and the coverage it gives is not cake-y.  For mascara, I use Fringe Benefits also from Origins.  With the Underwear for Lashes it works very well and when I wash my face at night or use the makeup remover wipes it comes off immediately.  No chemicals in there to harm my tender eyes and lashes.  My skin has been feeling so much differently since I switched all my products over.. it even looks better.  I’d say I am glowing.

For years, my eyeshadows have been bare Minerals.  I have been a faithful Leslie Blodgett follower since 1994 when my mother was in California and sent me a care package of makeup that was supposed to be good for my skin.  Something I had never heard of, but with horrible acne prone skin, it sounded like a dream come true.  It was.  I have turned on so many people to this product when it was just on QVC and not even in stores.  Now it is readily available and people understand the goodness of BE.  Wish I got a kick back for it

I have a blush and bronzer from both companies.  I have different colors for my different moods.  I like to be warmed up a bit in the Spring and Summer with the bronzer and just show my pinky-white skin in the Fall and Winter.  I don’t generally do much with the powders because I like to let my skin breathe and these definitely do the job.  My eyebrows are very light and starting to turn white with the rest of my hair, so I use the Bare Escentuals Essential Brow Color.  That with a sweet tiny eyebrow brush and my eyes look a whole lot more seductive!  Add a pop of eyeliner from Automatically Pencil and I am off and ready to go out!

What makeup do you use?

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-Fanny

A friend of mine went on a trip recently.  She looked effortlessly chic when she came off the plane.  I love the look of celebrities when they travel and I always like to emulate that when I travel.  I have my pocketbook which usually is the size of a comfortable “small” overnight bag and in there I pack a bunch of things.  First, let’s discuss wardrobe.  Contents of the bag will come later.

I like to throw on some leggings or some jeggings if you really want to spice things up.  They are sleek looking, but remember what my friend Danielle says, “Spandex is a privilege, NOT a right.”  Over it, I seek out a lovely and comfortable tunic top.  One I happen to love and adore and have worn on my plane trips was the Julia Tunic top from Lee Lee’s Valise.  Lisa fitted me for this awesome top before I went to Florida in April and let me tell you, it was so comfortable on the plane.  Of course mine is in Magenta, but I am loving the burgundy!  It has also saved me since on several first trimester “we aren’t going to tell anyone we are pregnant yet” days.

I always get cold.  It’s something I cannot control. so I would need a snazzy sweater to wear as well.  Something easy on and off because of the security checks.  I can’t resist a shawl collar. I don’t know what it is that appeals to me so much.  Shoes.. this is a tricky one because of course, you want to look stylish, and be comfortable and be able to take them on and off easily for security checks.  I never like to take my shoes off and walk bare footed through the stupid scanner.  I would definitely wear peds or bring them with you for when you take your flip flops off and you can switch immediately.

Now, let’s say I am gonna travel with my new Halston Heritage Brandy Sac.  In it there would be my Kindle.  I have it in a fabulous Cole Haan case because well, there is no Louis Vuitton case available.

I would also have my ipod because I lost my itouch. It would be in a case to protect it because I drop everything. My makeup case would be full of organic goodies to keep my skin fresh on the flight.  I would probably bring a blanket and an eye mask because I do not want to be disturbed when I am sleeping.  This blanket from Nordstrom folds up to the size of a scarf.  It is so thin and luxurious at the same time, I may use it when I breast feed as a cover or as a blanket for the baby in the spring.  It comes in a bunch of colors and with $38 as the price you can have a few.

If you travel during a cooler part of the year and you want to take your boots or sneakers off during your flight, you can switch into Footsyrolls.  They roll up so small into your bag and will keep you comfy and covered on the plane.

What goodies do you travel with?

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-Fanny

So it led me to think that some designers get it.  Maybe they realize that there are no adorable clothes for plus size preggers and that they design their clothing for women who are and they can still be fabulous and chic through the entire pregnancy.  When I was still working from April to June after we got word of the bun in the oven, the daily wardrobe consisted of dresses.  Lots of dresses.  There are no plus size maternity Spanx, so I got my thinking cap on and went to work getting me some bike shorts.  They were super soft and caused me to sweat less, (gross, I know) but they made working and hiking up the four flights of steps to my un-air conditioned classroom a bit less painful.

So I ask you ladies, do you think I may be uncovering a little secret that the designers don’t really want us to know about.  If I were a high end designer, I would totally be creating a plus size maternity wardrobe.  Why not?  Don’t you want to look great as a plus size pregnant woman?  I happen to love the hunt for an item, but I know a lot of women don’t.  Why don’t the designers realize that also?  I think some of them do!

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-Fanny

So, each year I buy myself a gift.. from me to me.  It always makes me smile and coming across it is always a fun adventure.  For the past year and change I have been saving for the Louis Vuitton Mahina Sac Bag.  It’s just a beautiful piece of leather and art and it starts at $2800 and goes up from there depending on what size you want.  I, of course always want the middle size.  We are talking a bit too much money.  Once we found out we were pregnant that bag and the Chanel 2.55 dreams went out the window.  For now. 

I was perusing through Bloomingdale’s new arrival secction for handbags and I almost fell off the couch.  What is before my eyes, the Halston Heritage Brandy bag.  It took my breath away.  It is a dead ringer for the Louis and I am not one to ever get a knock off or a copy, but since there is no way I am getting the Louis any time soon, I figure with my birthday coming, a sweet treat to me is in order.

What do you think of the bag?

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-Fanny

I am longing for fall.  We got a few cool days here in NYC and it gave me a tease.  The leaves, the crisp air, the ability to keep my windows open through the house and have a breeze that causes me to sit in a sweater!  I have been searching through the new fall collections and I am going to preview my favorites for you!  I guess this will be a wish list of sorts since I have started making my birthday list.  They kind of go hand in hand!

First, we need to start at the feet and get an awesome pair of boots.  I have my eyes on these Nine West beauties named Cleeo on Zappos.  Grey goes with everything and I adore the little heel since we know of my inability to stay upright in heels!  I love booties like this because it gives me a bit of height and allows me to have the feature of a boot.  I love a good fall boot!

Secondly, we need a beautiful pair of jeans.  I am personally in love with the trouser style jean because it makes me feel polished and will also be a great item you can have in the closet for work.  Lafayette 148 has a beautiful denim trouser that is my idea of a perfect jean.  I have about 6 pairs of these from the Gap from last season all bought on sale.  I hope I can fit into them post baby!  They are worn in and perfect.  They fit like a glove.

Third, on top of the jeans, I need a beautiful cashmere duster.  The Cashmere collection from Bloomingdale’s makes me smile.  I love the Cherry Cola color.  It makes me giggle it is so beautiful!  I always feel so safe when I am wrapped in cashmere.  It is never something that would ever not be in my closet.  The best part of Cashmere is you can get it on any budget.  Just make sure it is super soft against your skin!

Fourth, another goody from Bloomie’s is a Jules Oversized Silk Blouse.  It is such a gorgeous blouse and I would love having this in my closet to put under my cashmere duster.  Who wouldn’t want to be wrapped in luxury this way?

Fifth, Nordstrom has a Michael Kors Double Zip blazer… In black, it is perfect for all seasons.  It is so sassy and will keep you feeling great all day long.  I would pair it with some skinny jeans or the denim trousers with some super funky t-shirt and lots of bracelets.

Sixth, Saks has an Elie Tahari Chain Necklace that is on my wish list also.  This necklace is so hot and it would look great with a white button down shirt or a black shift dress or it would also work with a t-shirt under the blazer!

Seventh, we all know how much I love Anna Scholz, and this dress is so beautiful for the Fall.  La Grande Dame has this dress and I keep eyeing it for the Christening in the Spring.  It would also work well with the Elie Tahari necklace and the Michael Kors Blazer.

Eighth, another goody for the Fall and the Winter events is a David Meister Sequined Tunic Dress is the perfect dress for holidays and events.  I would totally rock this at a wedding or New Year’s Eve, even in my house.  A nice cocktail party with some heels and amazing earrings.

Ninth, Everyone needs a beautiful sweet soft scarf to wear in the cooler weather.  I love to pair it with a cashmere sweater and my jeans!  I wear one all the time, as soon as there is a slight chill in the air, out comes my collection of scarves!

Last, I would need an anorak for the days when there is a soft rain.  This Gallery Reversible Anorak is adorable and will be super lightweight for wear over your fall sweaters!

Ok, one more for a bonus, who wants a beautiful new bag this Fall?  I do I do!  Coach has an Embossed Croc Maggie.  It’s just divine and it’s a beautiful purple color that is longing to live in my closet and hang on my shoulder.

What are you looking at for Fall?

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-Fanny

So, I recently read an article in Parents magazine that scared me to death.  It was all about the chemicals in everything around us from our cosmetics to the most minute things in our households.  One of the biggest concerns I had was from Phthalates (they are in all soaps, cosmetics, creams, skin care etc which is on your skin ALL DAY).  They can cause ADHD in children and a host of other effects in kids such as reduced testosterone levels in kids and adults.  BPA, like we already know is super scary and can cause a host of cancers for adults such as prostate and breast.  It can also cause hyperactivity in girls as well as asthma and cardiovascular risks.  Flame retardants caused children to score lower on mental and physical developmental tests between the ages of 1 and 6.

I looked into my cosmetics first, because being that I am not only caring about myself now, I need to be very careful.  In most all of my cosmetics and creams, there are ingredients that are harmful to me and the bun in my oven.  I immediately took stock of things that I needed and dragged the hubby to the nearest Macy’s.  Straight for the Origins counter I went and hubby was perusing the goodies as well.  Most of his washes and stuff have chemicals in them also EVEN though they are labeled ORGANIC!  I was stunned.  I read further on another website that promoted “green” goodies and it said that they are glad companies are being proactive but not all companies go by the same standards.  That really stressed me out even further.  Off I went on the internet to Sephora and lo and behold each item that is certified Organic has a list of the chemicals that they are made without.  That’s what I am talking about.  Honesty and Truth.  Two things that we are missing these days in the world.  These cosmetics on Sephora’s Natural and Organic section are made without Phthalates and it is listed right on the website.  One of my favorite foundations and has been so for years, is Bare Escentuals.  The makeup is amazing and it is completely free of all chemicals that are not needed or warranted in making wonderful makeup.

Another thing that I have noticed from the beginning of the “green” movement is that it is becoming a bit trendier, a bit more widespread.  The positives of this is that since there is such a demand, there will be a better product.  There will be a wider array of product and the product will be better received.  My friends don’t make fun of me anymore when I search a bit harder for things made organically or when I read labels or when I want something that is made in the USA.  I know then it is a good, safe product that is made well and will last me for a long long time.

I went a bit crazy in buying a few products for myself and the man, but it is all worth it as far as I am concerned.  My hubby’s health, mine and of course the little peanut that is slow roasting inside my belly.  I am being allowed to create a life, a miracle and shape it from the beginning, and why shouldn’t I want her to have the purest most wonderful perfect ingredients to create her.

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-Fanny

Ok.. Now that I have a dress for the shower I am completely obsessing over a dress for the Christening which is uhm, like a million months away.  I definitely think I need this Anna Scholz Crepe Jersey Dress  because I want to be the hottest mom there.  Well, I know I won’t be the star of the show that day and I am completely ok with that, but this dress makes me smile.  I can definitely see myself with a pair of black heels, that will have to be rubberized on the bottom so I do not fall and some amazing earrings for this dress.

What do you think?

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-Fanny

So I am constantly thinking of  the design for the nursery and I am looking through all sorts of magazines.  One article I came across suggested that there should be an alternate seat in the room for someone who is visiting, either while the baby is nursing or playing or whatever.  I am completely in love with the idea of having a Moroccan Pouf seat in the room other than the glider.

I think you may know by now I am a lover of all things handmade and foreign craftsmanship is now not hard to come by with the internet.  I went poking around and saw some amazing deals on Amazon and Ebay.  These amazing poufs are made in Marrakech, Morocco which is  a place I would love to visit one day.  I digress.  My husband thought I was insane with wanting one of these poufs in the room and then he saw it.  We decided on a black one with white stitching which will accent the black glass chandelier that we are going to hang.  It was a gift from granny!

Isn’t it beautiful!   How do you think it will look with this pouf?

Anyway, that’s a preview for now.  When I get the room done, I will post pictures.  I have to get started.  90 days till d-day!

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Fanny

First is a Lace Bandage Dresss.  I am not a big fan of horizontal stripes, but I tried this dress on and it actually looks adorable with a baby belly.

I thought I looked like a pregnant table cloth when I tried this on, but it was hubby approved.  Love the lace tank dress!  With a cute belt and flower and some adorable shoes, I think it will totally rock.

For a wedding I have to go to, I saw this dress with Sheer Overlay on someone at a local restaurant and it was gorgeous!  I went and tried it on and it is so cute over the belly.  I have room to grow because the wedding is in October, if I even am able to go, but it is a great dress to have.  I have a booked calendar this year and since I have a way to grow, I need a bigger wardrobe.  Not that that is ever a problem

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-Fanny

Obviously, my three favorite colors are pink, black, and white so there will be pink and white flowers at the party!  Here are some ideas I was thinking of.

What do you guys think of these?  I have my favorite.  Let’s see if you can pick it out!

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Xo,

Fanny