The Perfect Red Dress

The holiday season is quickly approaching and every woman needs a red dress. It’s almost like a power suit but for a different occasion.

Red looks beautiful on me but I tend to not wear it as much. I prefer neutrals so here’s to stepping outside of my comfort zone and going red for the holidays! This dress fit me beautifully. I love the way it flatters my new postpartum body while still allowing me to feel sexy!

This dress was gifted to me by PinkBlush and it did not disappoint! I love that they offer great transitional pieces. A lot of my maternity clothing that I have from them I am still able to wear after having Clayton and the best part is I can still nurse in them. It’s a win-win in my book.

So let’s get into the dress!

Red Chiffon Long Sleeve Pleated Plus Maxi Dress

Colors: Red and Royal Blue

Sizes: 1X-3X

I’m wearing a 1X and I could have done a straight size L but I like to be safe than sorry. Reading their size charts are very helpful.

The red is vibrant and it will turn heads! Its light weight and easy to take on and off. You WILL need to steam this dress. I allowed mine to hang in the bathroom over night to avoid pressing the dress. It worked, so if you don’t need to wear the dress immediately that’s a great option. The dress is low cut so if you’re uncomfortable with that you can always pin it or sew it up a bit. I used a little piece of double sided tape and it worked beautifully without harming the dress. I’m 5’6 and the dress is a little long but that’s what I loved most about it. I truly felt like a goddess when the dress floated behind me.

Overall, this dress is stunning! It’s perfect for a holiday party or a night out on the town and if you’re worried about length it will be easy to alter the bottom.

Similar Dress Options:

Maternity: S, M, L

Colors: Blue, Fuchsia, Magenta, Purple and Yellow

Straight Size: S, M, L (sold out)

All images by Denise Benson Photography

Best Beauty Hack Ever: Press On Nails

Who would have thought that press on nails would be the business in 2019?! Defiantly not me, I’ve spent countless hours in the nail salon and not to mention the thousands of dollars I’ve given away (yes, thousands) to be serviced.

Now I will say this, getting your nails done is a treat! I enjoy the experience HOWEVER, this mama is watching her coins and she needs all of them.

I love that I can give my look an upgrade for less than $10 and I get to rock the look for at least 7-10 days!

Check out how great my nails look, I bet you wouldn’t know they were press on nails!

White set

Purple Set, Similar

They are really easy to do.

Step 1: Wash your hands

I like to use antibacterial soap and dry them with paper towels.

Step 2: Buff your nails

Most press on nails come with a nail buffer so make sure you clean off any leftover polish on your nails.

Step 3: Fit your nails

Open the box and start matching the nails to your fingers. They also have numbers inside so you can match the other very easily.

Step 4: Glue or use pull tab to press nails on.

I personally start with my non-dominant hand and do my thumbs last. I tend to get a better application that way.

Step 5: Add a top coat of clear polish

I like to give my nails a salon look and adding the top coat makes them appear nail salon worthy!

Let me of any tips and tricks you have! If it’s your first time wearing press on nails, be careful!

How To Look and Feel Your Best (Without Even Trying!)

Image by: Denise Benson Photography

Summer is here but as the nights start getting colder, it is more important than ever to make good choices when it comes to your lifestyle and your health. Winter weather and climates, meaning that a whole host of undesirable bacteria and viruses can spread more easily than in the warmer months. However, changes you make now can make sure that you look and feel great when the weather is miserable and you're not feeling at your peak. But, where to even start? Overhauling weeks and sometimes years of unhealthy mental and physical choices can take more than a few days to rectify. When it comes to adopting the new upgraded lifestyle that will leave you feeling your best and achieving your goals it can be more achievable to pick small, actionable and accountable goals to ease you in gently. 

Get Your Greens 

Especially when it gets colder outside, it’s human nature to want to stock up on simple and stodgy carbohydrates like pasta, rice and potatoes. While carbohydrates are a great way for your body to easily access and use energy, simple carbs are not great for satiety and blood sugar levels. So instead of piling heaps of rich pasta or nutty brown rice on your plate before you’ve even looked at some vegetables or a salad, try and work backwards and serve yourself your veggies, greens and salads first. Then add your protein and then your carbs. Ideally, half your plate should be filled with nutrient-dense vegetables and the other quarters with protein-rich foods such as beef, chicken or even tofu. Finish off your dinner plate with some healthy complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato or couscous. 

Dress To Impress

Pexels- CC0 Licence

Of course, we don’t mean that you should dress like you’re going to a gala ball every night, but reports have shown that the way you dress can drastically impact your mood. So ditch staying at home in your PJ’s day after day and put on clothes that make you feel good and uplifted. Colors such as yellow and red have shown to make human beings feel happier. Considering a night out on the town to lift your spirits? Consider getting one of the one-of-a-kind custom made suits for your husband or boyfriend and a flattering tailored dress for yourself. 

Stock Up On Healthy Foods

It can be easy to mindlessly graze on biscuits, crisps and other junk food at homes, especially when you're bored. However, labeling foods as ‘green’ and ‘red’ can create feelings of guilt when you do indulge in your favorite sweet snack or savory goodie. Reconsidering how you label your food can actually serve as a natural way for you to feel better about your eating habits and lose weight if you need to. Consider what nourishment you would like to give your body and then choose accordingly, after all, no food is ‘bad’ or ‘good’ just some are healthier for you in the long run than others. Don’t turn down a slice of your kids birthday cake or a cold glass of wine on your dream date, just remember to consume everything in moderation! 

Look After Your Teeth 

Dental hygiene is important and can have a detrimental impact on your health if you don't keep on top of it. Be sure to visit your dentist a few times a year to make sure that your teeth stay in tip-top shape. In between visits make sure you brush twice a day, floss and don't forget the mouthwash! 

Hydrate Yourself 

The human body is mostly made up of water. This means that to ensure that we stay healthy and that our bodily functions work at their very best we need to ensure we’re hydrated. If you struggle to keep on top of your daily water quota, consider investing in a water bottle, that helps by telling you how much you should have drunk at certain points throughout the day. Before you know it you'll be getting your recommended amounts and see your skin, hair and nails looking fantastic. 

 Get Moving 

The word ‘exercise’ can strike fear into many peoples hearts. But getting your heart rate pumping and working up a sweat doesn't have to mean a mind-numbing hour on the treadmill. There are a variety of exercise classes such as ballet, Zumba, Pilates and even yoga that are great ways to get fit and healthy. If you truly enjoy something you're more likely to stick with it. 

Relaxed Hair Journey: Month 1 Update

It’s officially been a month since I’ve had my relaxer. I don’t know how to style my hair just yet so I’ve kept it in braids and wore wigs. I’m going to start looking for cute hairstyles to wear. Wish me luck because wigs are life!

I’m also learning how to let my hair air dry. This has been frustrating. I’ve washed my hair twice but the first time I did it I used a prepoo and I’m so excited that I did. I will continue using that. I’m also considering adding a rice water rinse to routine as a lot of people have seen great results from that.

Pre Poo Ingredients:

Love Beauty & Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth & Serene Conditioner 

Black Jamaican Castor Oil

Virgin Coconut Oil

Avocado Oil

I’m currently using a little bit of everything until I run out and decide which hair products I would like to continue using. So stay tuned for and update and let me know what you’re using.

I also cut my hair shortly after this video. Seeing my split ends drove me nuts. That’s exactly what this hair journey is supposed to be about seeing things and making changes!