Our Maternity Photos!

I never had a chance to do a maternity photo shoot when we had Ellie. It all happened so fast. I was working in a very fast-paced investment bank and my stress levels were super high. I thought I was “handling it” being pregnant and all. But inside I was counting it down to my maternity leave when I could stay at home and rest and nest. Except it didn’t happen like that. I was rushed into the hospital, after a routine antenatal check ( this was in the U.K. ) and diagnosed with preeclampsia. The rest is history and my lovely Ellie bear was born 1 month early, weighing 4lbs and 17 ounces and strong as ever.

Now she is almost seven years old, smart as a whip and the tallest girl in her class.

I digress. So with all the drama surrounding my first delivery, we never did a maternity photo shoot. But this time around it’s been so different. Here are the lovely photos taken by the very talented @nataliawphotos based here in New Jersey.

Natalia was amazing to work with. Calm, fun and flexible. She worked with me to achieve my vision and I think they all came out so fab. Enjoy!

 

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Until Next Time!

Christian Dior Skin Forever Foundation Review | MRS OF THE HOME

Christian Dior has done it right with this amazing holy-grail of foundations with Christian Dior Skin Forever. This foundation has everything I have ever wanted and needed in a liquid foundation – lightweight, full coverage and perfect color!  Not to mention the fragrance is light and pleasant.
I have been wearing the same foundation for over ten years, and decided it was time for a change since my skin is becoming more mature, and I can say I have found a perfect match.  I have only been wearing it now for about a month now, and I am still very happy with it.  I am wearing color 045 in Hazel Beige.untitled
You can purchase it here: It provides full coverage with SPF 50, refines pores and its perfect for everyday wear.

Check out my in-depth YouTube Review Here!

Follow me on Instagram for daily style updates:
http://www.instagram/mrsofthehome

Until Next Time!

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EASTER DECORATING 2017 & WHATS INSIDE LITTLE BEAR’S EASTER BASKET?

I want to share the items in my daughter’s Easter basket this year, all purchased from CVS.  Get them before they are gone, especially these ADORABLE Metallic eggs (see below), perfect for a Spring tablescape!
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Speaking of tablescape ideas, I put together a look for a festive Spring table here.
The white rabbit on display is actually from our local garden center and I spray-painted it white.
The tulips and daffodils combine with glitter stick eggs to make a fun centerpiece, and I embellished my light-fixture with pink tulle and faux wisteria to create a whimsical air to our Spring table.

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For more details, be sure to follow check out my video below!

What are your Easter traditions?  Leave me a comment!
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Follow me on Instagram for daily style pics:
http://www.instagram.com/mrsofthehome

SUGARFIX BY BAUBLEBAR FOR TARGET

IMG_5018IMG_5019I am so excited to learn that Baublebar has teamed up with Target to offer a new line of trendy yet affordable jewelry with a new line called Sugar Fix by Baublebar.
You can get the same trendy pieces, but at totally a fraction of the cost.  I selected quite a few statement earring sets, and I am obsessed with my quintessentially Baublebar-ish tassel earrings, pictured above in blush pink as well as the gold starburst earrings.

If you see any items you like you can shop using the links below or check out Target’s website for the full selection!

 

Beaded Tassel Earrings – http://bit.ly/2nncI0j

Drop Earrings – http://bit.ly/2ohydPy

Druzy Drop Earrings – http://bit.ly/2nnhTgQ

Star Drop Earrings  – http://bit.ly/2nU2cK4

Geometric Drop Earrings – http://bit.ly/2oL3TO4
You can also check out my YT video for more info.

Until Next Time!

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Coq Au Vin WITH A TWIST

This is my quick and easy Coq au Vin recipe, except I didn’t actually have any ‘vin’ on hand! So I substituted Disaronno for the red wine and the results were phenomenal!

You will need the following:

  • all purpose flour
  • bacon
  • butter
  • carrots
  • chicken
  • organic chicken stock
  • onions
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • red wine or in this case Disaronno!
  • mushrooms

Chop all vegetables finely.  Pan fry the bacon and remove from the stove.  Sweat the onions and garlic in the juice remaining from the bacon.  Add mushrooms and cook further.  Add a small amount of Disaronno on low heat and reduce.  Add butter and flour to make a rue.  Add chicken stock to thin out the sauce and season to taste.  In a separate pan, sear the chicken breast. Shred the breasts and add to the first saucepan along with finely chopped bacon and carrots.  Add a bit more chicken stock and thyme and cover.  Simmer over a low to medium heat for a further 30 mins.

That’s my take.  For a more accurate recipe, check out my inspiration from Ina Garten’s recipe : http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/coq-au-vin-recipe4

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If you would like to see my Coq au Vin being prepared, check out the video!

Until Next Time!

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SPRING BEDROOM REFRESH

My bed was tired. It was neglected, a place were we knew we could find refuge at the end of the day, except we took it for granted.

Our bedclothes were purchased 4 years ago from Macy’s. We actually purchased the comforter and sham set from Macys.com while we still lived in London and had them shipped to our new apartment in New Jersey before we boarded the plane.  This comforter tells a part of our story, it has been a part of our home life for many years and provided us with actual comfort, just as the name describes.

Except everything needs care, and our bed clothes are no different. Of course I wash and dry our comforter a couple times of month, but the overall look on the bed was drab and uninspired. With Spring approaching, I decided to add a few new touches to give the bed a spring -time refresh.

So I decided to layer the bed with a few new additions as opposed to starting from scratch. Layering adds versatility for temperature shifts with optionality for cooler nights or the need for extra warmth. Velvet throw pillows add luxurious texture in various shapes and sizes. Coordinating colors create a harmonious look for a good night’s sleep.

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Amazon.com has amazing products, as long as you know what you are looking for!

I managed to update our bedroom set with a few items and I am so pleased with the results!

If you like any of the items I’ve selected, you can find them by clicking on this pics below!

MOMMYCON CHANGED MY LIFE

I feel energized, empowered and inspired. I went to MommyCon NYC this weekend and I think I can say it has changed my life for the better. For the first time,  I feel l’ve found people who are just like me – moms who don’t know all the answers. Moms who are still trying to figure it out. Moms who are keen to learn and admit they aren’t perfect. Those who accept vulnerability and use it as a tool to find strength through authenticity in this journey called parenthood.

I was so inspired by so many of the speakers at MommyCon NYC. Two in fact, Amy Appleton and Ilana Grostern (Facebook.com/amyandilana) talked like they were practically in my head with their witty and accurate anecdotes about how to find your tribe, how to challenge and question the stories we have been told about motherhood and that we all have to make a practice of giving ourselves permission to nurture ourselves body and soul.
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I learned about how to turn passions into profits with Tula baby and met an arsenal of vendors with amazing products and services for kids and parents.

MommyCon is a nation-wide natural parenting conference that focuses on a wide range of topics,  from advice on how to use cloth diapering to teaching parents how to teach their children to develop good financial skills. Children are more than welcome to attend with special play areas designed for kids to explore.
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It was an amazing experience and I learned to much. If you would like to find out more, visit MommyCon’s website at MommyCon.com and don’t forget to check out my visit to MommyCon NYC by clicking on my vlog below!

 

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When I started writing this blog in 2013, it served as a creative outlet for an otherwise isolated existence as a stay at home mom to my little girl.  Over the years, I have added other areas of content until I have arrived at new branding, MrsoftheHome, a home and lifestyle blog.

The focus will continue to be on home, family, fashion/style and inspiration. Look out for a few family favorite recipes, travel tips, time management techniques and more – everything you might need to enjoy a fulfilled life at home!

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Meal Planning Prep 101 – The Mommy Meal Plan

My daughter has been back at school for a month now, and I feel like I have finally gotten our home routine back on track. So with a better home routine down, I am also beginning to incorporate healthy food choices for myself into the everyday task list.  With a healthy body I feel like I can accomplish any goal, without that nagging feeling of lethargy and tiredness that comes with eating a poor diet. That’s where my “Mommy Meal Plan” comes into place, and I will show you how to get a meal plan down for yourself too!

Continue reading “Meal Planning Prep 101 – The Mommy Meal Plan”