Ashley, Author at Embracing Beauty

Celebrate Father’s Day with Dove’s #RealDadMoments & a Giveaway

June 12, 2014 by Ashley 13 Comments

This post is sponsored by Dove Men+Care and The Motherhood. #RealDadMoments

I love Father’s day! That’s probably because I had wonderful men in my life as I was growing up. I loved spending time with my grandpas and my dad. I would do anything to spend time with them. “Dig” a ditch? I gave it my all! Chopping wood? I would carry the chopped wood to the pile. Anything and everything to spend time with them.

Now that I’m married to a dad I think I love it even more! Watching my husband cuddle with my kids when they are sick, spend his evenings playing puzzles and blocks, and every evening reading them books before bed is heartwarming. My daughter has the best daddy, I’m confident! She would agree too!

I took this snapshot this evening while they were watching YouTube videos of their latest musical obsession, Justin Roberts. Aren’t they sweet together?

I appreciate my husband being involved in their lives. I know appreciate really isn’t the word I’m looking for but I am …immensely grateful for him. He knows what they like, dislike, and how their day went. It’s such a blast sharing parenthood with him. For instance, today I got a laugh when my daughter told me the lunch that I prepared, pizza sauce and cheese on bread, was “pretend pizza.” To you that probably isn’t funny but to us it is because we’ve been watching her learn what it means to pretend this week. It’s fun knowing someone else cares about the little details of their lives like I do.

Dove Men+Care is committed to portraying how real men and dads care for their children New Dove Men+Care research reveals a disconnect between the media’s representation of father’s roles and how fathers actually see themselves:

– Three quarters of dads say they are responsible for their child’s emotional well-being, while only 20% of dads see this role reflected in the media
– Only 13% of dads believe the media portrays fathers as responsible for childcare
– 3 out of 5 dads say the media portrays them negatively (61%!)

Those are some pretty sad statistics, right?

The Dove Men+Care has created a ‘Calls For Dad’ film that spotlights the expanding and often unrecognized ways fathers care for their children:

– Nearly all dads (97%) say they are involved in their child(ren)’s life and 7 in 10 see themselves as highly involved
– An overwhelming majority of dads (94%) prioritize their families over their careers
– Dove Men+Care understands that dads’ role as caregiver is often unrecognized and is sharing real, authentic moments of care just in time for Father’s Day
– Features real dads and their kids

I think Dove Men+Care did a phenomenal job in creating this video. You can view it below.

Dove Men+Care celebrates men who know that more care is better. They have a whole line created JUST for men! Surely, ya’ll knew that though, right? It’s pretty great…or so I’m told!

Body Wash (Skin Care Built In)

– Dove Men+Care Body Wash is clinically proven to fight dry skin better than regular men’s body wash
– Formulated with ultra-light MICROMOISTURE technology, a unique gel technology, that activates on skin during lather to guard against discomfort

Body Bar (Skin Care Built In)

– Dove Men+Care Body Bar is clinically proven to fight dry skin better than ordinary bar soap
– Uses Dove signature ¼ moisturizing cream to boost the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which works to replenish moisture in the skin’s outer surface layer

Share your family’s #RealDadMoments with Dove Men+Care:

Follow Dove Men+Care on Twitter

Follow Dove Men+Care on Instagram

Like Dove Men+Care on Facebook

Subscribe to Dove Men+Care on YouTube

Visit DoveMenCare.com

Enter below to win a Dove Men+Care prize pack! Good luck!

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Filed Under: Body Tagged With: Dove, Men, Skin care, The Motherhood

5 Light Bladder Leakage Tips!

June 12, 2014 by Ashley 16 Comments

Thank you to Poise for sponsoring this post!

I have talked about Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) on the blog before, and I think it’s something that warrants further discussion considering the numerous people who privated messaged me or emailed me saying how helpful my honest discussion was for them. Considering one in three women experience LBL at some point in their lives it’s no wonder women are looking for answers.

Here are some handy dandy ~~don’t pee your pants~~ light bladder leakage tips:

Try out the new Poise microliners with SAM (Super Absorbent Material) which now comes in a sleek fold-able design for easy purse storage. Coping with accidents is much easier if you have the right tools for the job, says Wendy Fries of WebMD.
Do your Kegals! Seriously, do it. Put post it notes around the house with smiley faces on them to remind you. You’ll never look at a smiley face the same way again will you? 🙂
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause constipation, and constipation can contribute to bladder leakage for some women. (source: LiveConfidently.com)
Take time to go to the potty more often. Set a timer until you get in the habit of going more frequently.
Limit your caffeine if at all possible. It’s a natural diuretic so only drink it if you’ll be near a bathroom.

To get more LBL tips and a fabulous free Poise sample, visit Poise.com!

Filed Under: Body Tagged With: Poise

Jockey Skimmies® Slipshort Giveaway Ends 6/20/14

June 9, 2014 by Ashley 21 Comments

Disclosure: I participated in this program on behalf of Jockey and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

As a busy stay-at-home mom, I’m constantly trying to revamp my wardrobe into a fashionable and comfortable style. Pajama pants are comfy around the house but I want to wear something all day that would be acceptable running errands in. My dressier shirts and capris are more appropriate for wearing in public but they aren’t near as comfortable. Lately I’ve found a good alternative in maxi skirts and dresses. They’re crazy comfortable, cool, and they give me a “put together” look without much effort.

The downside to wearing these lovely skirts is that my legs tend to rub together a bit and that gets uncomfortable real quick. I have the perfect solution!! Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts, are the new “must-have” fashion secret for women. Slipshorts are a fabulous combination of a soft and stretchy slip in the shape of shorts. It’s very comfortable, yoga-pants comfortable. Not only do they make skirts comfortable to wear in summer but they also help smooth down unwanted bumps and bulges.

Skimmies® are NOT shapewear but they are something that is much better! They’re not constricting, bulky, or hard to put on/take off. They’re lightweight, breathable, come in a variety of fun colors, they smooth your shape, and you can even wear them in place of panties if you’d like. Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, is the spokesperson for Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts and was quoted as saying, “Comfort should always be glamorous, and glamour should always be comfortable.” I agree with her!

Jockey Skimmies® come in three great styles:

– Regular length
– Short length for shorter dresses
– Moisture-wicking for more active days

Just a few other great things about Jockey Skimmies

– They make sliding out of a restaurant’s booth a breeze. Your legs won’t stick this summer!
– Immodesty woes are gone! You can wear a shorter dress without fear of the wind and no matter the length you chose you won’t have to worry about irritating panty lines.
– Eliminates irritation from thighs rubbing together. Women of all shapes and sizes get this and it can be down right bothersome. Now you can wear your summer dresses all day with confidence and comfort!
– Perfect for wearing (in the color nude) under white shorts, capris, or shirts! I love white shorts in the summer but it’s difficult to find a pair that are thick enough to not reveal every detail of what’s underneath them. Skimmies® provide an extra barrier of protection!
– A smoother silhouette!
– They stay put all day without rolling down or up. You won’t even remember you’re wearing them!

My Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts are my new wardrobe secret. Well, they’re not a secret to many because I’ve told just about every woman I know about them. I truly love them and think that every woman should own a pair, or two, or ten!

Would you like to win a pair of Skimmies®? How about $5,000? I thought so. Here’s how:

Jockey and Rachel Zoe want you to Seize the Day in Skimmies® with 25 fun and glamorous daily challenges, May 27-June 20. Expand your comfort zone: Enter Here. Good luck!

This contest ends 6/20/14 at 11:59 PM EST.

Today’s challenge is to complete this phrase and write it in a piece of paper – “With Skimmies® I’m free to…” Here’s my entry:

You can also check out Skimmies® in the “Workflow” section of the upcoming August/September issue of Working Mother Magazine.

Here’s another chance for one Embracing Beauty reader to win an assortment pack of Skimmies® ($50 value):

This giveaway ends 6/17/14 at 1pm EST. If you have any questions about it please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, Jockey, Reviews

Fabulous Florals: This Summer’s Most Beautiful Dresses

June 5, 2014 by Ashley 2 Comments

This post was written by Katie who is a self-confessed foodaholic and fashion-obsessed blogger from the UK who writes about her favorite clothes, countries and cupcakes.

It’s no wonder so many fashion designers are inspired by the beauty of nature. You only have to go for a walk in the woods and see the bluebells peeking up from the forest floor or see golden poppies on the trails of the Golden State to feel truly uplifted.

And, this summer, more than any other, many of the big-name designers have given a fresh twist to flowery fashion, creating stunning prints and shapes. No more so does the floral trend come into its own than on a summer dress. The two just go together like peanut butter and jelly. The floral dress is also incredibly versatile. There’s one for just about any occasion, whether just taking the kids to the park or attending a friend’s wedding. Here are just a few of my favorites:

For summer weddings

What could be more romantic for a summer wedding than a floral dress? The all-American brand Anthropologie, has this beautiful, embroidered gown with a structured shape formal enough for a wedding. On a fine black lace-mesh background with pink and red flowers, I’ll be buying this one and waiting for the wedding invites to start flooding in! It’s not just for summer though. It’s an all-seasons dress that would look equally gorgeous worn at a garden party when the sun is shining or a dinner party in winter. Definitely an heirloom piece to keep in the wardrobe for the next generation…

For musical festivals

There are plenty of music festivals that you probably wouldn’t want to go to, but lots more that pride themselves on their family-friendly atmosphere. The Creation festivals in the US have a joyous feel while the GoldCoast OceanFest or the Wychwood Festival in the UK have lots of events as well as the music that the whole family can join in. Finders Keepers’ tee-shirt dresses can be worn on their own or teamed with leggings and flat biker boots.

For the office

Florals may be more associated with off-duty style or with more formal outdoor occasions, but I’ve found the perfect dress to brighten up my day when I have to go into the office. Sitting just on the knee and with a black background, this dress from Erdem has a more business-like feel than other florals, but still manages to retain a playful edge with its yellow, white and blue blooms. I’ll be wearing with my black ballet pumps or investing in a new pair of block heels. It would look equally beautiful on a night out though, with black heels and a clutch.

For vacation time

Florals were given a truly tropical vibe by the likes of Raf Simon for Dior and Christophe Lemaire who used swirling, twirling over-sized ferns and flowers. On the high street, La Redoute has a designer-esque version which is simply stunning. With a sweetheart neckline and flared skirt, it’s very flattering. It would be perfect for a summer vacation – I’ll be wearing with tan sandals and a slouchy bag for sightseeing and swapping these for metallic heels and a matching clutch for a rare date night with my other half.

For family lunches

Long lunches with family are one of the joys of the weekend, whether at home, at our favourite Italian restaurant or taking a picnic to the park. While, all too often, I opt for my much-worn skinny jeans and Breton-striped top, I’m going to make an effort to turn these lunches into occasions even more special by putting a bit of effort into my outfit. Vintage stores are a lovely way to find day dresses, each probably with a story of family lunches gone by to tell. I love the simplicity of this rose design from Vintage Vixen. I’m going to cinch it in at the waist with a skinny, plaited belt and wear with sandals on sunny days.

They’re all beautiful pieces that just go to show why fashion’s love affair with florals is so enduring.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Dresses, Summer

Jockey Skimmies® Review #SkimmiesPromo

May 27, 2014 by Ashley 135 Comments

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Jockey Skimmies® through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Jockey Skimmies®, all opinions are my own.

It was the Saturday before Easter and my kids were in bed and my husband was downstairs watching TV. I quietly sneak out a package that I bought myself. A package that I hoped would leave me looking like a million bucks for Easter morning. Out of this box I pull what’s known as shape wear but is more accurately called as a torture device. I spent a great deal of time pulling and tugging, pausing to catch my breath and reread the packaging to make sure I bought the correct size and then pulling and yanking some more. I finally got it on and I liked how it made my post-baby belly look but I hated the unflattering bulges it created. That night I vowed to never wear shape wear again and I found a new appreciation for my curves! My Easter morning attire left me feeling a little self-conscious but I was thankful to be able to breathe deeply and sit comfortably so I made my peace with it.

A few weeks later PopSugar and Jockey contacted me about reviewing their Jockey® Skimmies® slipshorts. Slipshorts are a fabulous combination of soft and stretchy slip in the shape of shorts. It’s very comfortable. Think yoga-pants-on-a-Saturday comfy. These comfy undergarments help smooth down unwanted bumps and bulges but they are not constricting like shapewear. I repeat, these are NOT shapewear – they are something much better!

Let’s review, they are comfortable and they smooth your shape to give you a lovelier silhouette.

As if that isn’t enough, here’s a list of other things these tiny woven wonders can do:

– Make sliding out of a restaurant’s booth a breeze. Your legs won’t stick this summer!
– Immodesty woes are gone! Bend over, cross your legs, let the wind blow where it may because you, my friend, are covered. Wear a skirt to the playground and go down the slide if you want. Embrace the freedom!
– Eliminates irritation from thighs rubbing together. Women of all shapes and sizes get this and it can be down right bothersome. Now you can wear your summer dresses all day with confidence and comfort!
– Smoothes down panty lines for a more modest appearance OR you could wear them in place of your panties should you choose.
– Perfect for wearing (in the color nude) under white shorts! I love white shorts in the summer but it’s difficult to find a pair that are thick enough to not reveal every detail of what’s beneath them. These will provide an extra barrier of protection and a smoother silhouette to boot!
– They stay put all day without rolling down or up. You won’t even remember you’re wearing them!

Before trying these I was happy with my lace waisted short skirt but now I don’t think I’ll ever wear it again. I want a pair of Skimmies® in every color! Why not have a smoother silhouette every time I wear a skirt or dress? I’m not sacrificing comfort and I’m gaining an extra bit of modesty.

I’m a fan and I hope you’ll give them a try and love them as much as I do!

You can view Jockey’s #SkimmiesPromo video here.

Would you like to win a pair of Skimmies®? How about $5,000? I thought so. Here’s how:

Jockey and Rachel Zoe want you to Seize the Day in Skimmies® with 25 fun and glamorous daily challenges, May 27-June 20. Expand your comfort zone: Enter Here. Good luck!

This contest begins 5/27/14 at 08:00 AM EST and ends 6/20/14 at 11:59 PM EST.

Filed Under: Fashion, Giveaways Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, Jockey, POPSUGAR, Reviews

Shake Up Your Morning With Quaker Breakfast Shakes

May 7, 2014 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post was created in partnership with Quaker. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Do you need a convenient breakfast? Do you find yourself grabbing a banana while on the way out the door? If so, I have a solution for you! A delicious, creamy solution. Quaker breakfast shakes!

Quaker Breakfast Shakes are packed with protein and fiber to help you get going in the morning. I don’t know how they are for your family but mornings are kind of hectic around here. On mornings where we have to get everyone up, dressed, and fed before heading out the door I feel pulled in a dozen different directions and I usually skip breakfast. Shame on me, I know!! On mornings where my husband is the only one who leaves it’s a little calmer but still difficult to eat myself while also preparing food for a toddler and feeding a newborn. With Quaker shakes I can sip as I multitask around the house or take it with me on the road.

How do they taste? The chocolate is divine! I’m a big fan of chocolate so a nutritious chocolate breakfast is right up my alley. I’ve had my share of breakfast drinks and this is right up there at the top. It’s thick, has a good consistency, no aftertaste, and it’s just plain yummy. The strawberry on the other hand, I can’t speak as favorably of. Keep in mind that I’ve never, ever liked any strawberry drinks/milks. Not a one. With that in mind, my opinion really shouldn’t count on the strawberry drinks. Trust me though, you have to try the chocolate!

Doesn’t it look decadent in my fancy juice glass. Sparkling grape juice glass to be specific. : )

Let me sum it up for you. 8 grams of whole grains. 10 grams of protein. 6 grams of fiber. 11 ounces of deliciousness. Give it a try and see if it helps you squeeze in a bit of goodness into your mornings. Here’s a $2 digital coupon to use!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: food

Pamper Your Piggies: Mommy & Me Manis

May 7, 2014 by Ashley 8 Comments

This little piggy went to… the nail salon? My little piggies haven’t danced in the door of a nail salon since my technician buffed away too much skin and left me with a painful raw spot. He covered it with a liquid band aid but it hurt to walk on it for weeks. While I miss the massage chair, pretty polish designs, and overall pampering I’m not a glutton for punishment. There is no way I’m going to tote my toddler to the salon for the same reasons. Not to mention the cost for a polish that will chip off her nails in a matter of days!

BUT my daughter loves to have her nails painted. I mean loves it! She’ll point them out to the cashier at the grocery store. A stranger at the mall. Anyone who will listen! If you follow me on Instagram you may have saw the picture I posted last night of her daddy “painting” her nails. He was using a clear, glittery, oily type of pretend polish. He’s not brave enough to try with the real stuff and I don’t blame him!

Even when we use real, safe, kid-friendly polishes they still manage to chip ever so sightly within a few days. My semi-OCD daughter will have none of that so we end up painting her nails over and over and over before we finally remove it completely and leave her with bare nails for a few weeks. Which makes me sad because she enjoys painted nails so much and she likes to “look like Mommy.”

I may have found the perfect solution for her nail obsession. Mommy & Me nail wraps by Jamberry! Now, I haven’t tried this myself yet but I’ve ordered them and I can’t wait to! The picture above is of a friend’s daughter trying them out for the first time. Cute, right? My friend just started selling these wraps and because they look so great on her that I had to buy some for myself.

Check out the ones I ordered called Gingham and Berries. Can you picture these on tiny toes running through the grass this summer? So stinking cute!

I’ll update you with pictures of my daughter’s new fancy mani-pedi soon and quite a few nail wrap combinations of my own too. I couldn’t help but buy a bunch, they look so fun! If you want to have a little Mother/Daughter time for Mother’s Day this looks like a great, affordable way to do so. Plus, I hear that they’ll last for weeks on little one’s toes and a few weeks on fingers. You can’t beat that!

Here’s my friend’s website {that I’m not making any commission on what-so-ever!}: Jamberry Nails.

Happy early Mother’s Day!!

Filed Under: Nails Tagged With: kids, Nails

My Daughter Met a Princess #PromPrincess

May 4, 2014 by Ashley 80 Comments

Every little girl dreams of being a princess and twirling around in a beautiful glistening gown without a care in the world. Today, while having dinner at Qdoba {kids eat free Saturdays – yea!} my daughter about leaped out of her booster seat to point out a “princess” to me. My heart melted into a gooey puddle. It melted watching her face light up at the sight of, what in here eyes was, a real princess. A princess that she had only dreamed about. A princess that she has read about and pretends to be while dancing in the living room in her pjs.

She doesn’t have a prince charming of her own to dance with and when mine is busy she’ll dance with her wooden duck. {Technically, it’s my wooden duck decor but as much as she dances, pets, and feeds it it might as well be hers!}

She not only met a beautiful princess tonight but she also met “Prince Charming.” This sweet couple was more than willing to take a picture with my little princess and it meant the world to her. I know she won’t soon forget it!

{By the way, did you notice how clear the prom pictures were compared to the one in my living room. That’s the difference a phone with 20 megapixels will make. I love my Nokia Lumia Icon that Verizon fave me! #VZWLife}

Filed Under: Life Lately

Julep’s Maven Beauty Box – Now Fully Customizable!

May 1, 2014 by Ashley Leave a Comment

(This post contains affiliate links)

Did you know that Julep’s very popular monthly beauty box just got even better? Yes! Maven subscriptions can be customized to fit your style, your likes and your favorites even more now. Each month, Julep Mavens get:

– A fully customized monthly delivery of over $40 in nail polish and beauty products for $24.99 a month, or just $19.99 a month if you sign up for the 3 month option
– Flexibility to try one of five beauty styles each month or upgrade to get them all
– 20% off and free shipping on other products at Julep.com
– Exclusive access to the Secret Store each month
– First dibs on monthly Mystery Boxes and the opportunity to win one, too

Not sure you want to be a Maven yet or know what style you are? Take the Maven Style Quiz and then use the code FREEBOX to get your first box free. Your box will ship for free and you are signing up for the monthly subscription service, however you can cancel at any time by simply contacting Julep Customer Service. I’ve been signed up for 2 years now and I love it. I look forward to my box every month!

Julep also makes a great gift. The Gift of Maven is perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Graduation, your best friend’s birthday or any occasion. The Gift of Maven is available in 2, 4 or 6 month increments and does not auto-renew.

Become a Maven today!

Filed Under: Deals, Nails Tagged With: Julep, Julep Maven, Nail Polish

I Love Color & BIC® 4-Color™ Pens

May 1, 2014 by Ashley 32 Comments

This post brought to you by BIC 4-Color pen. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love color.

What can I say?

I just do.

Ever since I was a little girl color has brightened my spirits and awakened my imagination.

Lisa Frank’s products captivated my daydreams. Bright nail polish adorned my nails. I owned a pen in every color imaginable.

Things have changed ever so sightly as I’ve grown up. I still use colorful, sometimes glittery, notebooks to give myself a pick me up. I still paint my nails an array of colors. I still own pens in every color…well, maybe not as many as when I was in junior high but I still regularly use at least ten colors. Okay, so maybe the only thing that has really changed is that I grew up.

Color is too much fun to leave to the kids! I’m a firm believer that adults need color in their lives too.

Women should wear bright colors, experiment with different shades of make up just because they can, and write with colorful ink. Black is way overrated.

Do you remember those fat pens they used to make waaaay back in the day? I’m talking when I was in elementary school. These pens had many different colors that you could push down when you wanted to switch colors. …and you tried to push multiple ones down simultaneously to no avail…or maybe I was the only one who did that. Well, now BIC®has a grown up version of that pen. Check out the 4 Inseparable Colors in 1 Pen, available at Amazon and Staples.

This new fancy pen takes blue, black, green, and red ink and puts them into one slender, sleek looking pen. Want to doodle in multiple colors? You got it! Want to leave a romantic red note for your spouse? Check! Want to leave a note in your kid’s lunch box? Easy peasy! Want to sign a legal document? Got it!

I listen to different types of music when I’m in different moods, as I’m sure many of you do too, now you can write with different colors to coincide with your moods too!

Feeling proud? Blue is the boss. Just look at the names of his family members…Navy Blue, Oxford Blue, Royal Blue.

Feeling jealous? Green is often jealous because it’s the forgotten color. It’s such a calm and lovely color but it’s often overlooked for blue, red, and black. Green is great – green food, good for the environment, etc.

Feeling flawless? Write with a bold red pen. Red likes to be in control and the center of attention. When a teacher wants to correct a grammar, spelling, or calculation error what color do they grab? Exactly!

Feeling forgotten? Grab the black pen to write with. Black is the afterthought color. Everyone wants to write with blue but when it’s not available black is there for you. Black is sure and steady and it has your back.

What color are you? I feel that I’m a combination of them all. Sometimes a little lonely or jealous and sometimes a little confident and bold. With four colors in one pen I don’t have to choose!

This 4-color pen makes it easy to color code and organize my hectic calendar without toting around multiple pens in my bag. It’s all I could ask for in a pen. Well, that is, with the exception of having a pink, purple, black, and blue pen. I’d love that! Can I have that BIC®, pretty please?

To stay “in the know” about BIC®’s latest products and promotions you can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

What’s your favorite color to write with?

Filed Under: Tips