How I Make Smooth Legs A Part Of My Summer Beauty Routine

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Momma Told Me: I prefer to let my legs hibernate.

I may live in Southern California but this fair skinned girl has a love/hate relationship with Summer. While most modern media would have 'the rest' of the world believing us SoCal girls run around in daisy dukes with bikini tops every month of the year, it's not quite the case. Yes, I live a stone's throw away from the beach, and I love that I can walk down to the pier any afternoon at sunset- but the reality is maintaining Summer legs, year round, is quite a hefty chore. In my head I have endless time to prep for Summer, and I walk around with radiant skin Snow White would be envious of. In reality, I AM paler than Snow White, but my legs are hardly radiant.

So, during a routine Pharmacy/Grocery/Gardening supplies run at my local Walmart Supercenter the other day I was understandable paralyzed by the numerous displays intended to gently nudge patrons like me towards Summer skin. Guilt overcame me, I knew I'd been neglecting one of my best assets and I resolved then and there to take the first steps in my prep for Summer. Among the wall of suncare, tanning oils and suntan lotions, there were also several after sun care products like the sweet smelling Hawaiian Tropic® Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer. This, paired with my favorite SPF 50 sunscreen, the perfect sensitive skin razor, and shaving cream were the perfect incentive to hit the bath-tub and pamper myself.

I could hardly make eye contact with my legs as I ran that bath-water. I didn't even recognize the strangers in front of, erm below?, me. Though I shave year round I was now painfully aware of all the spots I'd missed in lazy, and rushed morning touch-ups. Yes, I liked smooth legs, but I also liked having a little extra me time. There was always a compromise between a close, accurate, shave and a few extra moments of silence before my home erupted into a scene of utter chaos.

The answer to this conundrum was turning my prep for Summer into me time that was indulgent and relaxing. Exfoliating my legs with a grape see and peppermint shea infused scrub not only helps calm me from the stress of the day, but helped open my pours and even remove thin layers of dead skin. I know, I know, it doesn't sound sexy, but a great exfoliating regimen can mean more vibrant skin, and longer lasting smooth legs!

Once my pores were invigorated and awake I was ready to shave. It's something I do several times a week, but this time I was committed to taking the time to actually cover the curves and edges of my shapely legs. With such fair skin I tend to be sensitive to excess fragrances and the irritation of close shaves. With the new Hydro Silk® Sensitive Care® razor, by Schick, I enjoyed the extra close shave of 5 blades that sensed my curves and naturally adjusted to the angles of my skin for a more gentle experience. For an extra soothing and indulgent shave I added a rich layer of lathering Skintimate® Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin shave cream, which helped condition my skin as I shaved. Together, the moisture rich and hypoallergenic serum of the Hydro razor and 8 conditioner infused shaving cream left my smooth legs ready to face any Summer occasion.

Normally, around this time of the year I'll sign up for a month of quick-coloring at the local tanning salon. They actually have a special booth designed solely to tan legs and even out skin color quickly. Let's face it, most legs are covered straight through the Winter, but our arms and faces still see a moderate amount of sunlight. I can embrace my pale complexion to a point, but uncovering those legs, no matter how smooth, for the Summer can be an embarrassment. This year I decided to go the natural route, and treat my legs with tanning lotion, and the remainder of my skin with sunscreen, until the bottom half of my body met up with my top half. Having a moisturizing and cooling after sun product, like Hawaiian Tropic's Lime Coolada moisturizer helps to nourish my in-progress skin and soothe my legs during the tanning process.

I never end up looking like a bronzed goddess at the end of Summer- it's just not my style. I have sensitive skin that is beautifully fair, and having smooth, sexy, legs builds my confidence in that. If you're ready to #SummerizeYourLegs then pick up a copy of this month's issue of All You magazine where you can read about how to 'Prep, Shave, and Protect,' while scoring some money saving coupons on Skintimate and Schick shaving products. If you're not quite ready to burst onto the Summer scene and head in store, find shaving, moisturizing, and Summer beauty products online at Walmart.com, where you can also enter to win a Summerize Prize Pack while browsing hot Summer skincare tips. And, if that isn't enough, be sure to RSVP and join me for the Summerize Your Legs Twitter party on June 12th, at 1PM EST for girl talk, Summer beauty tips, and prizes!

What Daughter Says: Summer is here, get those legs ready for fun in the sun with a skin care regimen that promotes healthy and radiant skin.

Karina Dresses #Frockstar Nation Event Preview: Penelope In Seashell

Momma Told Me: Dress for you!

When I was young, fresh out of high school and in college, I loved all things girlie. I wouldn't let a warm Southern California day go by without sporting a Summer Dress or a flowy skirt and heels. But, as women know all too well, time is not always so kind to our curves, and sizes and shapes tend to change. My weight has fluctuated quite a bit over the past ten years, and only recently did I drop over 60lbs after a serious health scare. I never was a 'big' girl, but I've never been a 'small' girl either. I have curves, from head to toe, and this can be a difficult fashion hurdle for a 5'11" woman entering her 30s. I still want to be fun and flirty, but I also want to be modest and feminine. And that is how I fell in love with Karina dresses, a brand that truly makes a dress for every body.

With 12 core designs, and numerous prints within each design, the Karina collection is always evolving through the season and to meet their customer's demands. Several of the styles, such as the Gala and Lauren even offer different cuts and lengths to suit the wearer's tastes. When I dress up I don't always want my unfinished ink (tattoos) showing, so I look for 3/4 sleeves that make me less self conscious. I also love bright and vivid colors, which is where the Penelope criss-cross, V-front, pleated skirt, pocket rocking dress comes in. It's Purple Plaid print has been making it's way through the fashion blogger community and I have been ever so jealous of how fabulous it looks on women of every age, shape, and size!

That's precisely why I chose to feature the Penelope dress in Seashell for this round of the Karina Frockstar™ Nation events, it's the perfect fit for me inside and out! Made with a lightweight and comfortable poly blend fabric, and available in 4 sizes, with 3/4 sleeves it offers immense versatility here in So Cal. As a full busted woman, I was a little concerned about fitting in the top of the dress, but was happy to see there was ample coverage, and I could just as simply wear a lightweight cami underneath should the event call for it. When I  first featured this dress in Purple Plaid it was a little short for my frame. I was pleased to note this fabric and print was very flattering and the extra inches I've lost since then put this Penelope at the perfect length.

Not only are these dresses flattering and extremely comfortable to wear, they come in a wide range of sleeve lengths and cuts to fit everyone's shape and style. The Karina collection is growing every day, and some of my favorite prints and styles are making their way out of the collection, *cough, Purple Plaid Penelope* so be sure to stop by today! The remainder of the Spring 2014 line has just been revealed and you'll want to be the first to see the gorgeous prints lined up! Sign up for the Karina newsletter to stay up to date on the latest style additions and prints in your favorite dress, and be the first to hear about 50% off flash sales.

I've teamed up with 11 other fashionable bloggers to help showcase how Karina dresses truly are dresses for 'every-body'. Join us here on June 8, 2014 for your chance to win a 6 Karina dress wardrobe in the Karina Dresses Frockstar™ Nation Event!

What Daughter Says: Find clothes that fit your style and shape with Karina Dresses!

If you are a blogger and you would like to do a review of a Karina Dress, they choose their reviewers from their affiliates! You can sign up to be an affiliate here: http://bit.ly/KDAffiliate

Does Where You Stay Impact How You See The World?

*This is a Fashionista events opportunity.

Momma Told Me: It's a vacation, not a death sentence.

Let's be real. Travel is a bundle of stress wrapped around a fleeting escape from the ordinary. Studies show that the anticipation of a good thing, such as a vacation, can begin having a positive effect on our health from the moment we put our mind to the plans. But those same studies don't consider all of the time, phone calls, and lists that will be made from Point A to Point B. And I am a nervous traveler, in the plane/train/automobile I worry non-stop about whether I have locked the door properly, left enough food for the cat, or forgotten a crucial packing element like toothpaste or a hair dryer.

Upon arrival my stress wanes only a little; now the time has come to go over the details, the 'plans' of one's vacation. There are meals to consider, timing to figure out, and the logistics of cramming as much into a short period of time as possible. And, when I put it that way, it doesn't seem too relaxing does it? One of the secrets I've found to a more enjoyable vacation is to plan an authentic experience. This may mean, while you have an idea of the things there are to do, you also understand that there may be a plethora of other things to discover and explore once you get there. But you can't just jump into a random city, state, or continent and expect for things to go smoothly.

Half the stress of traveling is simply not know where you are going. You are out of your comfort zone- but there is a way to turn that discomfort into excitement. Much like traveling to visit family, where you get to experience a slice of their life and community for a short time; you can choose to board with someone, rather than  hotel. Leave the sanitary feel of a major hotels and chains behind and get a taste of real local living when you look into booking a bed or breakfast ran by a real local. This could be a spare bedroom with a family, a guest house, or even a cottage; the world of possibilities are endless, but the benefits are immense, and the experience is always unique.

Not only can you cut down on some of the stress, and 'dislocated' feel of staying in a cold and clinical hotel, but you will have a real genuine slice of the locale outside your window every day. And how handy is it to be able to ask about the best restaurants and lookouts from someone who has actually experienced them? Goodbye tacky lobby brochures!

Would you ever consider booking someone's guest room or house for your vacation?

What Daughter Says: Sometimes we get wrapped up in all the planning and details that we forget to enjoy the world outside our window.

What I'm Streaming: Drunk History (2013+, Comedy Central)

Momma Told Me: Never dial when drunk.

Oh the things one finds when roaming the listings of Amazon Prime late at night. We don't have cable, so even mainstream shows that may have been heavily advertised on their networks often escape us for months or years at a time. Drunk History is the perfect example. It's not exactly a gem, but it's certainly a show worth note.

I've never been a 'drinker,' in fact, Momma taught me long before I had my first drink, that watching drunk people was much more fun than ever being drunk one's self. Any of our family gatherings, where libations were present were always present is case and point. When great grandma bea began tossing back her 'margaritas' nobody was safe from the sharp tongue and muddled recollections of their childhood. In a sense that was our family's version of Drunk History.

Now, Drunk History, the show, is precisely as it sounds, but presented in a much more intelligent way. Primarily comedians, of varied notoriety, are given an except of factual historic events to read and recall prior to their filming. They are then handed several helpings of alcohol, until they fail a sobriety test, and asked to recall the short historical tale in the comfort of their own home. Think of it as an adult finalizing of telephone; the individual is recalling the simple tale, but is drunk so they are often distracted, left filling in holes of their memory, and given to add-lib.

This is all, of course, filmed for posterity. The real entertainment comes in when big time comedians and actors step up to play the roles of the historic characters, with the drunken re-telling as a voice-over. This mish-mash of drunken reality and over the top acting is where the comedic genius sets in. Some of the historic tales are classic events you will know immediately, others are hidden gems of history you will find yourself truly learning.

Because the show is co-produced by Will Ferrell, you can expect to see a lot of his 'usual' crew appear in cameos; John C Reilly, Michael Cera, and Jack Black lend their talents among several Saturday Night Live alumni and some unexpected stars like Winona Ryder and the Wilson (Owen and Luke) brothers. Every show is packed with big name movie stars and easy to recognize comedic stand-outs. Because the show is on Comedy Central the dialogue can get a little bleepy (and bleep they do), but the content itself isn't particularly offensive. This show is sure to please any fans of Will Ferrell, and even curate an interest in history from those just tuning in for the stars. I know I will be watching the second season July 1st!

What Daughter Says: I don't drink to get drunk, but I do find funny it when people in controlled circumstances do!

Have Your Donut, And Eat A Cookie Too: Donut Cookies

Momma Told Me: Choose, a donut OR a cookie.

How many times, as a child do you recall hearing your mother tell you you could "only have one"? Whether it was one slice of pie, one piece of candy, or 'one or the other,' the solitary proclamation simply never seemed fair. It didn't matter if I had 2 treats in front of me or 100, I was determined that I should enjoy them all. Nothing illustrated this quite like a trip to the corner bakery, where there were large, chewy, chocolate chip cookies sitting right alongside fresh baked donuts. And without a doubt, I wanted them; the cinnamon buns, the bear claws, the Snickerdoodles, and the oatmeal cookies. Sure, Momma was just looking out for me, when she limited my selections; but wouldn't it be a sweeter world if you could just cheat and have both?

Someone must've had the same bake-shop trauma as I did in my childhood, because a crazy product conciever high up in Betty Crocker corporate dreamed up Glazed Donut Cookie mix and frosting. Longtime readers of my blog know I have a love/hate relationship with my sweet tooth, and next to the holidays few times of the year taunt the creative sweet-addict like Summer. Just browsing the baking aisle the other day I noticed an entire new range of Pillsbury Sugar Free mixes, Blue Velvet Cake, Cotton Candy Cookie Mix, and No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake. Then, like a hot pink accented siren, there she was; the Glazed Donut Cookie display, complete with the classic retro pink donut frosting and sprinkles.

Of course I could create a blog dedicated to my baking adventure fails. For every 'great idea' I have in the realm of confectionery goods, there's 4 times as many certain flops. Let's face it, the Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book was the authoritative Pinterest of it's time for vintage foodies. My grandmother learned to cook alongside it, and there certainly were enough times that glazed ham turned out looking more like a burnt bird. So, I was skeptical, to say the least that these 'donut cookies' could look even half as cute as the perfectly stylized photo on the front of their packaging.

Boxed and bagged mixes are supposed to be easy, but that doesn't mean they turn out like the ideal project on the front. Let's face it, those images are there to inspire stomach grumbles and flights of fancy. If you're going to try this mix you need to first note there is a recipe difference in shaped cookies verses the standard directions. Check the bottom of the pouch for a more 'dough' like recipe that will lend itself to shaping. Next, you will want to roll your dough into1 1/2" balls, then roll the balls into 6" 'snakes' with your hand lengthwise along the rolling dough. If you roll with you hands vertically you will create ridges, from your fingers, and uneven rope. Then pick up the rope at each end and place onto a prepared cookie sheet in circles, pinching the ends gently together. I actually found wetting either end with water helped seal the ends without deforming the circle.

So, were they as delicious as they looked? I was pleasantly surprised to find the shaped cookie recipe baked a little soft and chewy, which complimented the brown sugar 'donut' flavor. If we're going to try and be authentic, these cookies have a slightly sweeter plain cake donut taste. The frosting will set a little if the cookies are left out for an hour after decoration, but still doesn't lend itself to transport or stacking, so we frosted them in batches as they were eaten. And speaking of the frosting- you might find yourself more satisfied with a cream cheese frosting died pink, while the cookies were the hero, and the sprinkles an editorial must, the frosting had a bit of a lingering artificial flavor.

So that's the way the cookie, erm, donut? crumbles. You can have your donut an eat a cookie too- but the real treat is in getting fro package to plate. I know I'm a big kid at heart, and these cookies made me happy just anticipating the decorating. Wouldn't they also be a fun treat for Father's Day?

What Daughter Says: If there's a will, there's a way- do you ever REALLY have to choose?

Make Every Moment Memorable (This Summer): Tips And Tricks

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Momma Told Me: Make moments memorable.

It's officially here. Summer. I've defiantly held onto Spring for several weeks, but the fact of the matter is school is already out for half of the country. And if you think juggling a household with all the kids out of school is tough, try having 2 step-siblings from another state on vacation while your eldest is sent out the door to elementary each day. It's some kind of cruel torture, but this woman doesn't make the school calendar where we live, so Sabrina's (11) stuck doing her time for three more weeks while her brother and sister sleep in. And that means rallying the troops in time to get errands done and be in front of the school by 1:30, 5 days a week.

Of course not everything always goes as planned. There are half days, doctors appointments early Summer holidays and vacation plans to prepare for. Sometimes we're forced to pack up the entire team and head into Walmart for some serious bonding shopping. I'm grateful Walmart has a built in Pharmacy and grocery department, but do they have to have an entire man cave built into the back? Let's face it, the men often peel off towards electronics, and we're left trying to make grocery shopping sound exciting. Well, guess what? It is exciting! Turn your kiddos loose (not literally wild and rampant, just short leash loose) and see who can find the shopping list items first. The winner gets to pick-out their favorite frozen reward, like Kiara's Outshine frozen fruit bars.

The holiday last weekend was one of our last chances to hit the local beach park before all of the vacations and planned activities officially start. For example, Sabrina's youth/adult bowling league wrapped the week before, and this week Kiara (9) and Noah (4) will begin bowling with their father and I for 10 weeks. That means our Thursdays will be quite hectic with picking Sabrina up from school, monitoring homework and reading, then heading out to the alley in the town next over by 5PM. I keep the freezer stocked with a plethora of snack options to keep the Grumple Monster away and small tummies satisfied on busy afternoons like that. Sabrina even likes helping out, and playing chef, by making her sister and brother pizza Hot Pockets they can easily take in the car on the way to the alley.

We're lucky, in Southern California, we only live minutes from several harbors or beach parks full of family entertainment and activities. For Memorial Day we brought some #SummerGoodies in a cooler to Mandalay Shores where there are plenty of other children for the kids to play with and interact with. It's not uncommon to hear the 'ping ping' of a bell on an ice cream cart go by, and I was grateful to have my own stash of OUTSHINE® Fruit & Veggie Bars on hand to dole out to the outstretched hands. Everyone in our family has their favorite flavor from Strawberry Rhubarb to Creamy Coconut, made with real bits of coconut and fruit juice. These were much more refreshing then any of the 'drive by' options would have been!

Since the sun is out, okay it's out almost all year round here, I've been encouraging outdoor play much more lately. The kids often complain that they want to go to a park; but I rarely have time to pack everyone up for even a short trip in between packing, laundry, appointments, bowling practice, and more. We compromise by finding unique and fun ways for the kids to interact and play in the yard outside. Why spend a bunch of money on new toys that will be tossed aside in a few weeks when you can use a little imagination and your surroundings to make a magical playtime?

New for our family this year is Yard Twister. We invested about $20 in 4 cans of washable (water based) Marking Paint cans from the local hardware store. I had a hard time hunting them down at first, but you should be able to locate them with the other aerosol based paints in up to 10 different shades and colors. This unique paint is often used to mark fields for sporting events, or construction notations on grass concrete and more. With a simple template we easily made an interactive grid on the lawn that was dry in just 30 minutes. Okay, okay, keeping hyper kids off the wet paint for 30 minutes is near impossible- Try my tip, heat up a few Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets, filled with premium meat and real cheese, and cut them in half to serve on a plate. Small hands, and mouths, will be busy in no time!

You don't have to feel like a day camp coordinator or Super Mom to create some flavorful moments with your family and some great eats. And you don't have to break the bank either, with 12 CT Value Pack bundles of Hot Pockets an your favorite Outshine real fruit juice bars on hand. Just be sure you stop to take an extra breath, then reach into the freezer, pull out that folder of awesome Pinterest Summer pins, and you're sure to make every moment memorable this Summer!

What Daughter Says: Use simple tricks and frozen snacks to help make busy Summer afternoons more memorable.