9 Affordable Fall Fashion Must-Haves

1. The Flat Buckle Boot, Zara $59.90 USD 

2.  Plaid, Asos $53.31 USD

 When I was pregnant I loved wearing prints to accentuate, and at times minimize the appearance of my baby bump. Plaid is a chic and popular print this Fall. 

3. The Monochromatic Look, Outfit details on Polyvore $254

Rock a head-to-toe monochromatic look in emerald, white, black or any one of this season's must wear colors. 

   

4. The Metallic Sneaker, Asos Moment Metallic Sneaker $37.38

5. The Box Clutch, Nasty Gal Crystal Glimmer Clutch $50

            Perfect for mommy's first night out without baby. 

      
 6. The Slogan Sweater, Zoe Karssen Creme De La Creme Sweatshirt $169.08

       

           7. Printed Trousers, John Zack Nude and Black Geo Print Trousers $11

8. The Chunky Necklace, Nasty Gal Living Large Collar Necklace $28

9. Boyfriend Jeans, Gap 1969 Destructed Sexy Boyfriend Jeans $69.95

5 Amazingly Beautiful Reasons to Breastfeed Your LO

My LO is now 2 weeks and 1 day old and although he's been in this world a short amount of time-I can't imagine my life without him. Who knew such a huge gift can be delivered in a tiny package. As a first time mom, bonding with him is super important to me-which is why I decided early that I would breastfeed. Although, at first, a bit painful, I have found many benefits to breastfeeding my Teddy Rumpskin. Here are 5 benefits to breastfeeding that definitely outweigh any fears and negative reasons not to. 

1. It's The Best Nourishment

"Human milk provides the specific nutrients that babies need to grow both in size and maturity..." (THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, 7th Revised Edition, page 340). A mother's milk contains tons of essential nutrients for baby's current and future health, including antibodies that help protect your LO against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), many childhood cancers and even a simple yet painful ear infection. [A study in the Philippines showed that, "Deaths from respiratory infections and diarrhea were eight to ten times higher in babies who were artificially fed than in those who were even partially breastfed for six months "] (THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, 7th Revised Edition, page 350). Also, keep in mind, that artificial formulas are generally harsher on baby's sensitive digestive system. 

2. You Create A Strong Bond With Your LO

I have to say the most rewarding part of breastfeeding Benny is the stare he gives me after he latches. It's a "loaded" stare that speaks volumes! I feel like he's saying "thank you" with every gulp. I love how his little hands sometimes find themselves half way past my breast as if he's trying to give me a hug. Delivering nourishment from my body, the warmth of my skin and hearing him try to balance his gulps with my flow are all beautiful components of the magic of breastfeeding. Not to mention the deep source of comfort and protection he feels. And the pride I feel in knowing that only I have the ability to connect and satisfy him in this way.

3. Helps You Lose Baby Weight Faster

I haven't started exercising yet, as I am still awaiting to regain the strength in my abdominal muscles. And for some reason, my cravings are worse than when I was pregnant (thank you hormones). But my weight loss has been steady. So far, I've lost 12 pounds and have already been able to fit my pre-baby jeans. How? Well, your body burns 500 calories to produce milk--hallelujer! With every gulp Benny takes, I feel my uterine contract and I make it a point to sit in a way that engages my abdominal muscles while feeding. Losing weight is not the only benefit to mommies. Breastfeeding is also linked to lowering the risk of a list of diseases such as: Type 2 Diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer as well as post partum depression. One of the most awesome benefits to breastfeeding, is, it postpones the return of the menstrual cycle. 

4. It's Convenient

Carrying a diaper bag loaded with bottles and formula can be such a drag--an uncomfortable for some-small framed mommies. With items such as: diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a changing pad and an extra receiving blanket--my diaper bag is very light and easy for travel. Late night feedings are such a breeze for me since I don't have to make a bottle. Wherever I go, my milk is always readily available--and fresh! Even if you work, you can pump your milk and store it in the freezer for your baby and it will last a long time, saving you a ton of money on formula.

5.  It's What Nature Intended

We are mammals and therefore designed to be able to feed our offspring through our own bodies. Humans are the most unique and awesome in this respect because it's a natural process, yet it's a choice we make. Sometimes it can be easy to give up with the frustrations that lactation brings. There's swelling, possible mastitis, failure to latch properly, milk supply issues and sore nipples. All of these factors however can be taken care of and are mostly all common to the first two weeks post delivery! Once baby has the hang of it, it's so easy and satisfying for both you and your LO. 

I'm A Mommy!!!

Last week I was lucky enough to bring a beautiful and healthy baby boy into this world! After 7 hours of labor and 5 minutes of delivery I held 6 pounds 1 ounce Benjamin Carson Massillon in my arms in disbelief and in pure awe at the miracle I'd witnessed.  After a staring match, that I felt, took hours I realized I was really some one's mommy-Benny's mommy! Besides being his personal milk dispenser, I have spent these last days experiencing an indescribable love that I believe can only be given from a child. I find myself staring at him and incessantly praying for his future for hours. I worry about his well-being and methodically think about how I'm going to walk down the stairs with him. I guess this is what the job of being a mommy entails-a never ending cycle of worry and unconditional love.

Pictures courtesy of Ricardo Massillon Photography

Heidi Klum's Truly Scrumptious Fashion Show

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris; Photos: Getty

Project Runway host, Heidi Klum, celebrated the first birthday of her children's line, "Truly Scrumptious" for Babies "R" Us, this past Saturday, October 5. She held a fashion show as part of Kids Fashion Week presented by Petite Parade and Vogue Bambini at Industria Studios in New York City. The mom of four was joined by the cutest mini fashionistas as they showcased her colorful and fun-filled holiday collection. With a runway full of lollipops and balloons, the kids  unveiled many comfortable-easy to clean yet fashionable fits. First to hit the runway were tuxedo pajamas for boys that immediately left the crowd in awe. Her children also played a vital role in the collection by lending some of their personal style during production. I myself have already purchased some affordable pieces from the line for my LO, such as a pair of colorful pants, suspenders, a striped collared top with interchangeable bow ties and the cutest cardigan. If I had to choose one word to describe the line it would have to be FUN! 

    

“So happy & proud of our 1st #TrulyScrumptious fashion show! Thanks @BabiesRUs & @_petitePARADE for making it happen!” Heidi tweeted.

The collection boasts everything from red leopard coats and fleece jackets with hoods and capes, to printed leggings, adorable monster bow ties and snug hats, many of the items feature holiday-esque characters and colors. The collection is available exclusively at Babies“R”Us stores nationwide and at Babiesrus.com/HeidiKlum.

5 Bold Trench Coats Under $100 Perfect for this Fall

Miroslava Duma in Valentino's pre-fall 2013 khaki floral print trench coat. Credit:Getty

I have been going "gaga" over the floral print trench coat Miroslava Duma wore this past week, at Valentino's Spring 2014 fashion show in Paris. The once editor for Harper's Bazaar, and now freelance writer has always been an internet style star whom I have always admired. This feminine and unconventional trench spoke volumes to me when I saw it, followed by the thought that I could never afford it o_O. But I was so intrigued, that I knew I had to find an affordable version! Not only is it chic for any woman, but it is  staple piece that can add glam to any new mom's fit. Pair these trench coats with twill pants and pumps, or over a plain white tee, jeans and ballet flats for a quick yet glamorous look. Here are 5 affordable coats that will leave the term "frumpy mom" in its trenches.

1. Merona Floral Trench Coat $34.98, target.com 

2. Promithi Women's Slim Woolen Trench Coat $49.99, amazon.com

3. ASOS Casual Leather Look Sleeve Trench $101.26, asos.com

4. ASOS PETITE Exclusive 70's Trench $55.69, asos.com

5. SuvinShop Capelet Trench Coat with Sash $110, yesstyle.com

How To Wear: Dark Lipstick

Simple tips for choosing the correct lipstick for a star struck vampie pout. 

Yoga at the Dock

8 Fall Makeup Trends for Less

Preparing for a LO can be costly, even when you cut corners by shopping at thrift stores, accept hand me downs, create DIY projects and keep to a firm budget. But my motto still stands, in 2013, "Being a mommy has never looked so good"! I firmly believe in looking your best, but have to admit saving up for my little guy's college fund is a lot more important. But I can definitely accomplish both! Here are 8 makeup dupes that will allow you to achieve a splurged look on a splashed budget.

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, $52

Showcasing a dozen neutral shades, this eyeshadow palette ranges from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly. No wonder it's the #1 seller! Luckily, MUA, a UK based cosmetics company, created the Undress Me Too Palette for only $6.50! NYX also has a Nude on Nude palette for $25 which can also suffice as a great dupe. 

2. MAC "Syrup" (Lustre) Lipstick, $15

This neutral mauve pink pout by MAC, is a perfect way to wear a bold color without being usual. It's a Lustre finish, which for me, reads as a less sticky lipgloss. The perfect dupe would be Revlon's Superlustrous "Sassy Mauve" exclusive LiquiSilk moisturizing lipstick, which can be snagged at any drugstore for $6.

3. Too Faced Primed and Poreless Primer, $30

This foundation primer does a lot of things at once...it not only blurs the look of pores and fine lines by "filling them in" to allow makeup to flawlessly glide over top, it also contains special ingredients, like Retinol, that promote healthy skin. It's designed to be worn alone or with makeup, which is perfect for a new mom.

NYX Pore Filler, $13,  is a great flawless-finish primer. It's thicker than its comparable, but it melts easily onto the skin once you warm it up by rubbing it between your fingers. I find that you have to rub this in a little bit more to achieve the totally flawless look, but at more than half the price of Too Faced-rub on ladies.

4. NARS Oasis Powder Blush, $29

This sparkling pink-champagne highlighting blush is perfect for Fall. It's a softened, reddish-plum with a hint of golden shimmer that translates to a shimmer-sheen once applied to the skin.

Elf's Studio Blush Blushing Rose is a great dupe for the NARS Oasis. This berry color with a gold shimmer is a steal for only $3! The staying power of Elf blushes is of course not as good as that of NARS but at a price this good I wouldn't mind reapplying every 4 hours. Besides, what's my traveling makeup bag for?


 

5. Benefit Moon Beam Complexion Enhancer, $26

This iridescent highlighter is great! Not only because it is super easy to blend and super easy to travel with, but it adds a warm shimmer that leaves your skin radiant! It can be used as a spot highlighter (brow bone, corner of eyes, cupid's bow and cheekbones) or delicately blended all over your face. But why pay $26, when you can achieve the same flawless complexion with MeMeMe's Beat The Blues Sunbeam for less than $9! Available in Oyster Gold and Pearl Pink, you can dot and blend at a fraction of the comparable's cost. 

6. Moroccan Oil Treatment, $17

MoroccanOil has been all the rave and has quickly become one of the best selling hair care lines in the world. This alcohol-free and weightless formula is perfect for all hair types. It softens thick unmanageable hair and restores shine to dull and lifeless hair. Although, much of this product isn't needed give your hair the lift it needs, I still found $17 was a bit much for a 25ml bottle. Thankfully, our UK friends at Aldi recreated this product, making it possible to buy a 50ml for less than $5.50! Which is perfect for the upcoming, drying and harsh winter. You can thank me now if you'd like.  

7.  NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo, $41 

Both blush and bronzer give a sheer, healthy glow to the skin. This complimentary pairing delivers summer's quintessential radiance with ease and convenience anytime of the year. Although the E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush duo is slightly more shimmery and the bronzer is slightly darker than the expensive counterparts, it is a perfect contrast for your future tanned looking skin at only $3! 

8. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, $19 

Both eyeliners deliver vibrant lasting colors. Each is smudge-proof, meaning you can apply it to the lash line and water line without worry about it disappearing throughout the day. Purchase the lower priced NYX pencil in colors you've never tried before in prep for a neon-filled fling for only $8.