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10 Questions with CityLine’s Beauty Expert Grace Tartaglia

Posted on by Posted in 10 Questions With .

We at Urban Suburban Mommy had the pleasure of sitting down with regular Cityline beauty expert Grace Tartaglia. She is an inspiring woman who prides herself on helping women look their best. We thought that all you moms out there would benefit from her great advice and tips about looking your best!

1. What is your favorite go-to hair product?

My favorite hair product would be uniq one because it has 10 real benefits for your hair.  The product repairs dry damaged hair, offers shine fizz control, silkiness  and smoothness, hair color protection. The product also helps your style to last longer and adds body.

 

2. What is the thing you feel most women overlook or don’t prioritize when it comes to their beauty regime?

Woman overlook or forget about dehydration. You must deeply hydrate your hair from Roots to ends because your hair needs extra love.  Do this 2 to 4 times per month with a product that’s right for your hair type. This will help your hair to become stronger, healthier, shinier.  Women also overlook their faces. It’s so important to use a face scrub because it will gently exfoliate and brighten your skin tone leaving the skin feeling smooth, cleaned and renewed.

3. Us moms are always talking about being exhausted – and we look it. Is there anything you can recommend to make us look more refreshed than we feel?

Keep it simple and plan ahead: wash your face, use moisturizer for your skin type, use a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer and little blush, a tinted lip balm or lip gloss, mascara and do not forget your concealer. By using an effective concealer to cover dark circles, it will help you not look so worn out. Pay attention to your whole look, your hair your clothes.

4. Does an ‘easy’ style or a ‘wash and go’ always mean short? Is the pixie the go-to?

Easy style does not have to mean short – get a great haircut. Get your stylist to give you an easy to maintain style, something that can be pulled off your face quickly and easily, keep it at your shoulders or a chin length depending on your face shape.

5. As the greys come through, they have a crazy texture, how do you tame them?

You can tame crazy texture from grey hair by actually coloring it. The dye molecules fill in the missing pigments, and help to smooth out the cuticle.

6. There are so many color choices – is there an age that’s considered “too old” for wild colors?

There are so many color choices.  There is no color that I would say that is too old or wild for a person. It really depends on your personality, your career, and how you would like to present yourself to the world. Hair color can change how you look and feel about yourself.

7. We often hear “Long hair can make you look older.” At what age does this start being an issue – or is it untrue?

I really think that way of thinking is outdated.  Cutting your hair too short when your 40 and older, without considering your face shape and your hair texture, can actually make you look older for example.  If your hair is healthy and cut in the way that suits your face shape, I say yes to long hair.

8. What’s the next look that’s coming into style?

Hair trends for 2017 include ultra voluminous hair.  Braids are still on trend with a modern twist on traditional style.

9. When women are looking for a makeover, where do you start to figure out what the ‘new’ look should be?

I take a look at the skin, the hair and the eyes and see how they’re working together.  I then ask my client what length she would be comfortable with and I take it from there.   I then suggest hair colour, the best hair cut for your hair type as well as the best way to style your hair.  When we’re comfortable with all this, and we’re finished the hair makeover, I take my client through the process of doing your make up in five minutes.  My goal for any makeover is to teach my clients how to create their best self and look polished.

10. How do you get women to give up the pony tail?

 

I don’t!! Ponytails are a staple like a little black dress. What I do teach is how to try a ponytail in many different ways. From side parts to poof on top – put it over one side, curled – the possibilities are endless.

ABOUT GRACE TARTAGLIA

Grace Tartaglia is one of Canada’s leading foremost experts in beauty. With a regular presence in millions of homes through her longstanding guest expert position on City TV’s City Line.

Grace is known for her ability to create a women’s best self by allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Grace has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards within her profession.

Grace was given the honor to be the be the spokes person for the Princess Margaret hospital Nohairselfie campaign. They raised the largest amount ever for one haircut totaling $740,000. She is constantly updating her knowledge and education. She has a strong following of a number of notable celebrity clients and on air personalities as well as a very strong following of loyal clientele.

As a spokesperson for Revlon Professional Grace has traveled around Canada and the world both teaching and learning new color techniques, workshops and seminars.

Graces very busy schedule includes working on stages at hair shows, attending gala events, behind the scenes at fashion shows, judging hair styling competitions all while juggling her regular guest spot on a Cityline and running her highly sought after downtown Toronto Salon “Image Makeover”.

Grace is an expert at translating runway looks to wearable styles, while elevating a women’s self esteem in the process.

5 must-have beauty products and tips for every mom from Brittany Gray

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

It was a  lot of fun to connect with fellow mom, Brittany Gray, founder of Fancy Face Inc and the bridal beauty expert for Kleinfeld Canada. Brittany has some amazing tricks and product suggestions so that you can look your best in a matter of minutes as the stunning woman that you are!
1. What make up tips do you recommend to hide dark circles under the eyes (every mom wants to know!)
There is a trend that is making waves right now, which is the “orange color correcting” trend. To execute this properly, use an orange-toned concealer on your under eye area to color correct the blue/purple tones that cause the dark circles. After applying a thin layer, reach for your favorite brightening concealer to put on top. This will cover up the orange toned color corrector and also reflect light so that you look bright eyed and bushy tailed. My two favorite products for this? NYX color correcting orange under eye concealer and YSL Touché Eclat. 
 
 
2. Any tips to minimize lines or wrinkles?
 
There is a product I’ve come to know and love to combat fine lines and wrinkles that happen with age and in the case of mommy hood, lack of sleep and hydration. One of my favorite go-to’s is the Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing concentrate. This product diminishes the appearance of aging, improves the overall texture of the skin and noticeably decreases the appearance of marionette lines, crows feet, sub-orbital lines and wrinkles.
 
3. Can you recommend a simple beauty regime that moms on the go can do in 5-10 minutes?
 
I am all about fast, easy and effective beauty. I want to look the best I possibly can in the least amount of time (and without a lot of effort). One trick I swear by is the Dior One Minute Mask. I would love to have the time to pamper myself for a full hour every morning or night, but let’s face it… it ain’t happening. With this one minute mask, I am doing great things for my skin in a fraction of the time.
Another favorite product of mine is Crest One-Hour white strips. I love the ones that adhere to your teeth seamlessly so I can drink water, talk to clients on the phone, all the while giving myself the lift I need to feel fresh and glamorous. With all the coffee I drink now as a new mom, whitening my teeth is an absolute must.
Another trick is to take a few minutes to put together a makeup bag full of everyday staples. I recommend keeping your makeup bag relatively neutral in tone so that when you reach for it every morning, the products you’ve chosen work with every outfit, and you don’t need to do any guesswork. Choose your favorite mascara, a bb cream, a matte bronzer, a blush, a brow pencil/powder and a neutral lip liner and lipstick combo and you’re good to go!   
 
 
4. What is your favorite moisturizer?
 
I absolutely love Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream. It smells amazing and it is packed with nutrients!
5. What do you recommend for dry lips – regime or product?
 
Clarins recently launched a new product coined as a “Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil“. This product is extremely moisturizing and don’t feel too slippery, sticky or greasy. Picture a wonderfully hydrating and high-shine gloss. With three shades to choose from, these lip oils have “all the power of plant oils infused in a lip treatment to nourish and enhance their beauty.” 
 
About Brittany Gray
 
Brittany Gray is a beauty expert, entrepreneur and nationally recognized actress and television personality. She is the founder of Fancy Face Inc., one of North America’s top luxury mobile beauty companies, specializing in hair and makeup services for weddings, special events, entertainment industry functions, and celebrity glamour. For more information, please visit www.fancyface.ca 
 

Want to “Get in the mood?” This Valentine’s Day? We recommend these 10 foods

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. You’ve written up the cutsie cards for the kids’ classes and found the class treat you’re going to make on Pinterest.

But what about moms and pops? Isn’t Valentine’s Day for us too?

Urban Suburban Mommy caught up with Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O – a New York City Osteopathic Physician. Dr. Calapai is board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. We got his take on aphrodisiacs.

“Aphrodisiacs are foods that have certain chemical properties that could increase pheromones, estrogen of testosterone, estrogen, heightening our interest in sex,” explains Dr. Calapai. So they’re real. Not the superfly – the urban legend of our high-school days, These. Are. Real. According to the doctor, o be considered a true aphrodisiac the substance must be consumed orally and must reliably increase libido or sexual desire and within minutes. No pharmaceutical blue pills, these are ready and waiting at the grocery store – you may even have some around the house and not realize their magical powers!

Ok so what are these sexual super foods and what is it about them that “Gets you in the mood? Dr. Love – er – Dr. Calapai explains:

1. Oysters

One of the most infamous aphrodisiacs to us all, oysters are high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for fertility. Researchers have found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. “Oysters offer a lean source of protein to help give you energy all night long. In addition to offering the body zinc, which helps blood flow and nourish sperm, there’s scientific evidence that an amino acid found in oysters may directly raise sexual hormone levels,” says Dr. Calapai.

2. Bananas

With their phallic shape, bananas already look tempting and sensual; but they also contain bromelain, an enzyme, which Dr. Calapai says, triggers testosterone production. The fruit’s potassium and vitamin B elevate energy levels and the high sugar content gives the brain a kick! Melt some chocolate to add some sexy decadence.

3. Honey

Honey is made through pollination and secretions of many fertile bees worshipping their queen, just what every woman wants! Drizzled on certain body parts honey can be fun. It has a number of vitamins and it also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and the sweet and sappy sweetness provides a natural energy boost.

4. Watermelon

Packed with citrulline and lycopene, Watermelon may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. It may even prevent erectile dysfunction. It’s incredibly juicy, sexy and when dipped in chocolate is the perfect flavor explosion.

5. Pine Nuts

High in energizing zinc and fatty acids, which have been linked to a healthy sex drive, pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pinecones.

6. Arugula

This peppery tasting plant has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. “The bite of the aromatic leaf might get you in the mood and the minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens like arugula have also been proven to block environmental contaminates that could negatively harm libido,” explains Dr. Calapai.

7. Olive Oil

Packed with antioxidants, olives and their oil have been used for centuries for health. The Greeks believed they made men more virile as well. “Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart, smooth blood flow and stable hormone production, all needed to keep the brain, prostate and penis in good shape!” says Dr. Calapai.

8. Figs

Eaten by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the fig has forever paradoxically symbolized both sexuality (the ripe fruit with seeds representing fertility) and modesty (the fig leaf). They are full of potassium and are an antioxidant powerhouse, sweet and delicate when eaten.

9. Pomegranate

These bright gems enclosed in a thick rose-colored husk are filled with tangy sweet antioxidants, which support blood flow and clear thought. One study by The Male Clinic in California found that pomegranate juice had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.

10. Chai Tea

Skip the coffee and end the night with a cup of Indian chai tea. The typical spices in this brew include ginger, cloves and cinnamon, all come from exotic places and certainly will get the blood flowing. Since it has almost no caffeine the stimulant effect is less than coffee allowing you and your lover to drift to sleep.

So forget the champagne with strawberries and whipped cream, skip the big carby romantic dinner. Go for the oysters, the fruit platter with honey, the salad with arugala and pine nuts, drizzled with olive oil, and serve it all up with chai tea for the perfect Valentine’s Day!

 

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers.

drcal.net

 @drcalapai

 

Start writing out those Valentine’s Day cards!

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

I’m feeling really proud of myself, I have realized before the stores are all sold out that my children will be participating in Valentine’s Day next week. On the 14th. As happens every year.

Now to get them to the store to pick out a few packs before they’re sold out.

I loved this class activity when I was a kid and I like to indulge my boys now that it’s their turn. In years past we’ve done all hand-made cards, we’ve done crafts, one year I even tried to get all Pinteresty with the dough that hardens into a flower ornament that we bedazzled. 60 of them. It was insane, and days of work!

This year I. Just. Can’t. Sometimes a mama has too much on the go, and it’s okay to let go of something. This year it’s the craftastic exertion of energy on Valentine’s Day handouts.

And that’s okay. I’m fine with it and my sons are fine with it, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun picking out some great class Valentine’s cards.

The DIY made easy

This kit from Target still offers a bit of handmade craftiness that the kids can do with little help. Though realistically, mine will lose interest after about 5 cards and I’ll do the rest. Unless I bribe them with TV time while they weave those strings!

Say it with a smiley face

Why say it with words when this Hallmark Valentine’s Day card pack will say it in emojis for you? After all, isn’t this just prepping our young minds for the inane emoji text convos they’re bound to have in a few short years? You’re practically doing them a favour.

The download

Run out of time? Stores all empty? Don’t worry, it’s the 21st century and AvHE design’s Etsy store has you covered with some super duper cute print-your-own. Yes, isn’t this genius? Get yourself some paper and hit print. Print up as many of this cute card as you want, and you can even insert your kid’s name, so you, my friend, are done like a pro!

Nostalgia

Your know your little ones are too young for nostalgia, but these vintage valentines from Indigo sure do take you back. And you know they’ll be a hit with other parents as their littles share what your little handed out!

Taste of the Force

What do they say? All’s fair in love and Star Wars. The Star Wars franchise is just huge, and your little one will be getting plenty of Darth Vader, Storm Trouper, Luke and Leia messages from their little padawan friends, but your kid will stand out with these Star Wars cards from Amazon – complete with the lollipops!

The only other advice I have is, don’t get the overly lovey dovey cards for the kids. I’ve seen some pretty inappropriate cards for kids. I don’t expect any 8 year old to love another and B2gether 4ever or be my first kiss. Let’s keep it rated G and all in fun. And if anyone wants to get extra Pinteresty this year, please share, I’d love to see your inspiration – for next year!!

 

Family friendly travel? A review of Nickelodeon Punta Cana

Posted on by Posted in Bon Voyage .

Review of One of Punta Cana’s Newest and Most Exciting Resorts – Nickelodeon Punta Cana

There are just some resorts that feel special from the moment that you arrive and the newly opened Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana is just that – special.

Having made it to my travel bucket list this year, this Nickelodeon Resort is one that I wanted to visit since the time it opened in June 2016.  Since it opened the reviews have been great. I have had clients enjoy it so I wanted to experience it myself.

My  expectations were very high before I even set foot on the property – and let me say, I was not disappointed.

The resort is gorgeous. The grounds are lush, the amenities are great and the overall feel of the resort is luxurious. The biggest misconception about this resort is that it can’t be a luxury property with Nickelodeon characters everywhere.  This can’t be further from the truth! Yes, there are characters but they are mainly found at Nickelodeon Place where the kids club and water park are. The rest of the resort is modern and hip with subtle Nickelodeon decor touches making it feel fun, yet still upscale.

A View of the Resort

All the rooms are contemporary with a great splash of colour that represents Nickelodeon. I stayed in a Pad Suite which was spacious and beautifully appointed.  I especially loved the bathroom which had double sinks, a free-standing tub, separate shower and toilet stalls which is super convenient for travelling with kids.

For a complete walk through of this room, click HERE.

Pad Suite

For upgraded accommodations, the top room category at the Nickelodeon Punta Cana is The Pineapple. This Butler assisted, 2-bedroom/3-bathroom suite is inspired by the unique home of SpongeBob Square Pants.  This signature villa has an indoor and outdoor living and dining area, a private master suite with a king bed, oversize marble bathroom and Aguas del Amor (outdoor shower).  The second bedroom on the upper level is complete with 2 single beds and private bathroom. Outdoor area includes a private infinity pool and sunbathing beds – talk about luxury!

The main pool and beach area were also great.  Plenty of loungers for everyone, quick and efficient bar service and a relaxing atmosphere. The ocean was shallow, so great for wading in with kids. One thing that I noticed in particular was how fine the sand was and how there were no rocks, coral, twigs or branches that could hurt little feet.

Gorgeous Beach

Main Infinity Pool

Dining is always phenomenal when visiting a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive resort and the Nickelodeon resort did not disappoint. The Gourmet Village offered restaurant options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With 9 restaurants, multiple bars and its own coffee shop, there was always something delicious and exciting to eat. As I write this I’m trying to decide which was my favourite and I simply can not choose…..Verdello Sicilian Kitchen rivals my grandmother’s cooking in Italy, Wok Wok was the most authentic Asian cuisine I experienced in the Caribbean, BRGRS.PH had some of the most original and tasty gourmet burgers I have ever tried and Fresco offer one of my all time favourite dishes, Ceriche.

The best part of this resort has to be Nick Place. This is where all the Nickelodeon Characters hang out, where you can find the waterpark, lazy river, kids club and where you can get slimed!

What does that mean you ask?  Well check out this video!

So, if you haven’t noticed yet, I am a BIG fan of this resort and everything that it has to offer. This year I have visited over 15 different hotels/resorts across Europe and the Caribbean and I have to say I had a fabulous time here. It was amazing to have a chance to be a big kid again and still enjoy fine dining and spa services. As this was a travel agent trip, I did not have the chance to bring my kids, but I can tell you that this resort is still on my bucket list as I have to return!

Just Kiddin’ Kids Club

Character Pajama Party at Zest

Happy Travels,

Clara

Note!! Our Family Travel Specialist Clara Power has a sweet deal for our readers:

If you want to experience everything that this resort has to offer, don’t hesitate to email at cpower@tpi.ca or call me at 416.996.6849 so we can get you there. Any bookings made with me, a Nick Specialist, are eligible for a free private slime, Character Breakfast or meet and greet for 4 PLUS a $250 USD resort credit.

Clara Power is a mother to 2 well traveled kids, Andrew and Lauren. She is a Personal Travel Advisor at her own travel agency, Clara Power TPI, which is in association with Travel Professionals International.  As an active traveler having visited over 35 countries and almost every continent, (still working on Antarctica), Clara is no stranger in understanding the unique wants and needs of families travelling together making her your expert choice for creating those special family vacation experiences.  Her agency is also recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner due to her extensive knowledge and superior service.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
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Clara Power TPI Travel

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Originally published on clarapower.ca

Super Bowl Sunday – what you need to know.

Posted on by Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

There are three types of mamas – you either LOVE football and Super Bowl is the best day of winter; football’s not your favourite, but you’ll jump on the bandwagon for the party (mmmmmm 7 layer dip – and can’t turn down the opportunity to buy a cute sports shirt once a year); you hate football and Super Bowl Sunday is the one Sunday a year Costco isn’t a zoo, so grab your membership card and go!

Me, I enjoy football. I grew up with a football dad.  And I really do love Super Bowl Sunday. I have a a system for picking teams – the team with the best butts. My husband always laughs at me, but it’s a pretty accurate system.

What you need to know:

Super Bowl LI This year is the New England Patriots vs the Atlanta Falcons. The game is being held in Houston. New England is favoured by +3.

New England Patriots

Colours: Red, white and blue – they’re the Patriots, after all. They’ll be wearing their whites on the field – they’re the visiting team.
Quarterback: Tom Brady He’s won 4 of the 6 Super Bowls he’s played. He’s married to supermodel Gisele Bündchen. What more do you really need  to know?

Atlanta Falcons

Colours: Red and black – they’ll be wearing their reds on the field, they’re the home team.
Quarterback: Matt Ryan. The Falcons have been to the Super Bowl just once, and lost. Matt has never won a Super Bowl, but he’s been having a good year. He’s married to Sarah Marshall, who, while not a supermodel is a pretty impressive athlete and was a point guard on her Boston College basketball team.

Now you might know Super Bowl for the friendly get-togethers and the food. What’s Super Bowl Sunday without guacamole, chips, dip, chilli, chicken wings, meatballs, barbecue and, of course, beer (and indigestion!).

But a big part of the game is the gambling. They bet on EVERYTHING. This is big money and big fun.

I know nothing about Super Bowl gambling, so I went straight to the source to learn. If you don’t know how to gamble, you’re going to find this FASCINATING. I spoke with Joe Gagliano. He made the news in a big way in the 90s. He’s the man behind the biggest point shaving scandal ever to hit ASU basketball. It’s known as the biggest fixing scandal in sports betting. It involved millions of dollars and paying off 2 players – to the tune of $50,000 each a game. They didn’t just throw the game, they made sure that the points spread for the game wasn’t made.

When you bet on a game, it’s not just Win or Lose. One team is always a favourite to win, so they create a points spread. For example, this Super Bowl, New England is favoured by 3. That means even if they win by 2, anyone who bet on them still loses – they must win by at least 3 points. Joe’s ballers made sure only to win by two, in this scenario.

If you’re going to dabble in betting, you generally have 3 options – a bookie, an online gambling site or betting with friends. You can go high stakes or keep it friendly. When I asked Joe where to go to make these high stakes bets he told me that serious gamblers would know where to go.

I’m a rookie. That was a rookie question.

Coming from a man whose gambling career saw big bucks, I’m going to share his best advice: Pick the 50/50 bets. They’re the most likely to pay out. The main ones are betting who will win, and betting on total points. This game is expected to go into high scores. The game total is 59.5. You can bet whether the total scores will be over or under that number.

There are other 50/50 bets:

The coin toss at the beginning of the game.

The outcome of the first half of the game (point spread is New England favoured by 1.5)

Which quarterback will throw the first touchdown pass.

The length of time the national anthem will take to sing.

Yes, how long the national anthem will be. In fact, there are even bets on what Luke Bryan will be wearing when he sings it. Joe said there was even a year when the singer held the final note and hit the exact time being bet on, making him wonder if even the singers can be bought for purposes of fixing a bet.

There are a lot of bets that will seem completely bizarre to the uninitiated. Joe had me laughing, so I looked it up. Sure enough, you can bet on what colour Lady Gaga’s hair will be for the half-time show, how many yards will be run, and even what type of penalties will occur. CBS Sports put together the comprehensive list here.

It was fun finding out about the serious money that goes on behind the Super Bowl. I could have talked to Joe all, day – and that’s precisely why he wrote the book. If you never thought about picking up a sports book to read, check out No Grey nogreyareas.com. I would never have picked it up, but after speaking with Joe, it’s on my nightstand. It’s one of those too-crazy-to-believe, high stakes stories, with a movie also in the works.

I found this vide of an interview with Joe if you’d like to learn more about the ASU point shaving scandal. This isn’t a promoted post and we received no compensation from – or have any ties to – Joe Gagliano, the book or the movie – what started out as simply trying to learn about Super Bowl betting turned into one of the most intriguing interviews I’ve ever had the pleasure to conduct!

Eco-wellness

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

As we near our the end of our 30 days of wellness, we wanted to explore the concept of eco-wellness.  We had the pleasure of speaking with fellow mom blogger and eco-expert Sara Vartanian of Green Moms Collective.  Sara has some pretty enlightening thoughts as well as some easy tips to start living a greener and healthier life.

1. What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness means being mindful of the choices I am making for my mind, body and spirit. I am aiming to do the best I can at the time, making progress from where I am right now rather  than seeking perfection.

2. How has living green contributed to you & your family living well?

It seemed that once we began making greener choices (e.g., reusable diapers, cleaner products, organic when possible food, organic mattress/bedding etc.) that we tuned into our lives more. We became more mindful about everything including how we spend our time as a family and even the decision to live in a log home lakeside for a year.  We’ve always been fairly minimal when it comes to clothing and ‘stuff’ around our home but living green meant that the things we’ve bought have been more intentionally purchased such as saving up for a set of organic king-sized bed sheets or adding to our collection of reusable containers every year. We now have enough for leftovers and school lunches!

3.What are 3 easy things parents/families can do around their home to contribute eco-wellness?

  1. Open windows when cleaning whether you are using green or conventional products. Yes, even in winter. We spend a lot of time in our homes so it’s important to keep our indoor air healthy.
  2. Babies and children spend a lot of time on the floor playing and crawling around to explore their environment. Leave shoes at the door of your home. Wearing them around the house tracks in all sorts of yuckiness like waste, renovation dust and winter ice salt…which you breathe in and your children play on.
  3. Swap out a personal care product you use multiple times a day for a cleaner alternative. It’s the items that we use daily that can really contribute to our wellness. My guide to green beauty can help you figure out what to switch but I recommend starting with replacing plastic soap dispensers for a natural soap bars. Bars are the ultimate in minimal waste as you use every last scrap of soap and they have less packaging than their pump counterparts.

4.What should parents look out for shopping for green or eco products?

A good starting place when shopping for cleaner products is to look for a simple and easy to understand ingredient list. Also, if you aren’t sure if the scent in the product is a synthetic or natural fragrance, than opt for unscented. Synthetic fragrances can cause breathing problems, headaches and a build up of VOCs (products that off-gas chemicals) in our homes.

I aim to avoid these ten ingredients when shopping for natural beauty products since we use  personal care items daily which can really impact our health.

ABOUT SARA:

Sara Vartanian is a mom of two boys, who recently moved back to the city after spending a year living lakeside amongst the trees. She is the founder of Green Moms Collective, a Canadian website dedicated to helping mothers live a green and mindful lifestyle. Sara works with wellness and education businesses to manage their social media and outreach programs. If she’s not on Instagram sharing all things green mom, she can be found wiping green smoothies off her children’s faces or shopping at a farmer’s market.

http://www.greenmomscollective.ca

FB: https://www.facebook.com/GreenMomsCollective/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/greenmomsco/

Pin: https://www.pinterest.com/GreenMomsCo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenmomsco

Chef Calvo’s superstar Super Bowl tailgate chili

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

Know what one of the most searched recipes on the Internet might be?

Yup, chili.

But why search away, when award-winning Chef Adrieanne Calvo has shared hers with us! And with Super Bowl LI this weekend, we’ll make you the superstar of the tailgate party with this one.

 

The not-so-secret ‘secret ingredient’ in this chili recipe is short ribs, and Chef Adrianne’s short rib recipe made Thrillist’s list of the “50 things you need to eat before you die”. They’re not wrong.

“I have always been a huge fan of watching the Super Bowl with my family and friends,” says Chef Adrianne. “This year, I was inspired to create my very own take on chili; something everyone would be dreaming about long after the game. ”

Bringing her short ribs into the chili mix is just one over-the-top meal waiting to happen. Super Bowl LI demands this kind of extraordinary dish! But it’s not just the dish, Chef Adrianne has given us the most mouth-watering tailgate meal: Maximum Flavor Short Rib Chili + Candied Cornbread + Corn Jalapeño Relish + Chili-dusted Onion Rings

Chili – What you need:

– 3 lbs Short Rib (boneless), trimmed of excess fat
– 1 yellow onion, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 8 garlic cloves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons cumin
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can tomato paste
– 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup dark beer
– 2 (16oz) cans Red Kidney Beans
– Kosher salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

Place all ingredients in the slow cooker on the low heat setting. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Candied Cornbread – What you need:

– 1 loaf cornbread, (can be store bought)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon honey

What you do:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Crumble the cornbread into a mixing bowl and toss with butter and honey. Place mixture onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Corn Jalapeño Relish – What you need:

– 1 cup Corn kernels
– 1/4 cup red onion, minced
– 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced and seeded
– 1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Kosher salt and pepper

What you do:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Chili Dusted Onion Rings – What you need:

– 1 yellow onion, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rings
– Milk for soaking
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Kosher salt and pepper

What you do:

Preheat fryer to 400°F.
In a mixing bowl, add milk and soak each individual onion ring for 15 minutes. In another mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, chili powder, salt and pepper. Dip each ring into powder and fry immediately.

To serve up a dish, top each bowl of chili with candied cornbread crumbles, corn jalapeño relish and top it all off with an onion ring and some shredded pepper jack cheese.

Adrianne Calvo is the Executive Chef and owner of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Host of Maximum Flavor Live on NBC’s 6 in the Mix, author of four cookbooks: Maximum Flavor (2005); Chef Adrianne: Driven by Flavor Fueled by Fire (2008); #MaximumFlavorSocial (2014); and Play with Fire (2015), and founder of the Make it Count Foundation. Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar opened in 2007 and offers a varied and rotating menu with something for everyone. Monthly, the restaurant holds its signature event, Dark Dining, where guests are blindfolded for a sensual experience eliminating one sense in order to enhance another, providing maximum flavor.

www.chefadriannes.com 

Chef Adrianne

 

Chef Adrianne Calvo

Win a Live Clean Prize Pack

Posted on by Posted in Sponsored Post .

As you may already know, we absolutely love Live Clean products.  You can check out some of our favorites here. As we near the end of our 30 days of wellness, we thought what better way than to end with an awesome contest!  Our friends at Live Clean have put together an amazing prize pack consisting of:

Vanilla Oatmeal Soothing Body Wash and Liquid Hand Soap

Vitamin Multi Boost Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Fresh Face Refreshing Facial Wipes, Foaming Daily Cleanser and Soothing Daily Moisturizer

Live Clean Baby Gentle Moisture Tearless Shampoo & Wash

+ Calming Bedtime Bubble Bath and Wash

 

 

Here is what you need to do to enter:

Like this post on our blog. Leave a comment in the blog post about how you and your family live well.  Like and comment on our social media for more chances to win.

Why Choose Live Clean?

Every day more of us are concerned about what we’re applying to our skin – and our children’s! – and what the products we use are doing to the environment. At Live Clean we strive to have as little environmental impact as we possibly can.  We use only plant and natural sourced or non-petrolatum ingredients that are renewable and sustainable. We don’t use anything that will deplete our natural resources.  We’ve formulated all our beauty and personal care products without the still commonly used chemical ingredients – like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Diethanolamine (DEA) and silicones. And our products are free of parabens and other harsh preservatives.

That’s not all: Live Clean is completely vegan/vegetarian, plant and natural based, with no animal products or animal by-products used in the formulations.  Live Clean is also cruelty-free; none of the products or their ingredients have been tested on animals. In its sensitivity to the environment, Live Clean is also free of phosphates, known contributors to water pollution.  And our packaging, of course, is eco-friendly.

Just as important to you, we know, our products have to work! Our eco-friendly formulations haven’t sacrificed product efficacy and pleasure of use.  We believe every Live Clean product is exceptional in every way.

 

Contest Rules and Regulations:

One Live Clean Prize Pack will be awarded to one winner.
Contest is open to residents of Canada only.
Contest opens January 30, 2017 at 12PM EST and closes February 6, 2017 at 12PM EST.
One winner will be selected by random draw on February 7, 2017.
Winners will be contacted via social media.
Prize has no cash value and must be accepted as awarded.
Urban Suburban Mommy is not liable for any loss or damages associated with this contest.
This contest may be ended or discontinued at the sole discretion of Urban Suburban Mommy.
All decisions are final.
All rights reserved.

Consider a Plant-Based Life and Live Longer

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

In our continued quest for wellness this month, we had the pleasure of speaking with fellow mom and A Plant-Based Life Cookbook Author Micaela Cook Karlsen.  She shared her take on why plants trump meat in the quest for a healthier lifestyle.  She was even kind enough to share some delicious recipes to prove it. You’ll be fascinated by the benefits of leading a plant-based life – it’s good for the whole family.  You’ll want to pick up a copy of her new book to learn more.

1. Why did you choose to lead a Plant-based life?

In the very beginning, around age 16 or 17, a couple of my friends were vegetarian, and I wanted to give it a try! I felt drawn towards eating more healthfully, but since I had struggled with feeling overweight for some time, I think the goal more in the forefront of my mind was to lose a little weight and maintain what I felt was a comfortable body weight for me. Over the years, my goals have shifted to be more focused on health for me and for the planet at the same time – and it’s nice that now that I’m so much more knowledgeable about a truly health idea, it’s very easy to meet both of those goals at once!

2.Why do you think it is important for people to consider living a plant-based lifestyle?

So many people in Westernized countries are facing either chronic illness or overweight. (Most people have heard that 2/3 of Americans are overweight and half those are obese.) As someone who has cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis in the family, I’m concerned with living well into my old age, not just living longer. And as someone who struggled with weight and feeling comfortable in my body for many years, I feel so much compassion for anyone trying to lose weight unsuccessfully. As far as healthy weight goes, a whole food, plant-based diet is absolutely the easiest, most straightforward path to success because you can eat until you’re full without worrying about calories. I do believe with all my heart that important to accept yourself and your body wherever you are and whatever you look like. At the same time, for me, that’s balanced with my experience that when I finally got to a healthy weight for a woman my height, I started to feel so comfortable in a way I never had before! It’s easier than most people realize with plant-based eating.

3.How do you respond when critics say that a plant based lifestyle doesn’t taste good?

Many people mistakenly believe that tastes are fixed – almost as though your taste preferences were part of your personality. We enjoy what we are used to – so what we’ve eaten over the last few months, few weeks, few days, and even from morning to evening shapes what we want to eat and what we enjoy. Most people can recognize this with sugar – don’t eat it for a long time, and the attraction fades, but eat syrupy waffles on a Sunday morning and you’re probably in the mood for dessert that evening. People who say plant-based eating doesn’t taste good are simply accustomed to eating heavier animal foods and foods with added salt, sugar, and fat. If you switch to a plant-based diet without telling yourself you have to stick with it forever, if you can just stick with it for a few weeks, you’ll notice yourself starting to lose interest in some of the old foods. This means everyone has the ability to train themselves to genuinely enjoy healthy food!

4. What is your favorite plant based dish?

There are so many! Like most people who eat this way, I felt like diet expanded my diet rather than the reverse. Right now, one of my favorites is my own recipe Interstellar Lasagna in A Plant-Based Life. It’s a food I could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. How do you recommend parents introduce a plant based lifestyle to their children?

It really depends on whether you are introducing it when they are little or older and have already established their own eating preferences. The second can be much more challenging. As parents, it’s inevitable that our children will exercise more and more free will as they get older. I think the best strategy is to help them develop good judgement, make sure they don’t feel judged for their eating habits, and then engage in a lot of dialogue with them about your own reasons for eating this way and your hopes that they will also choose a path of healthful eating – because, of course, you care about them! The biggest bang for your buck is cooking together. Let them choose plant-based recipes they are interested in, go shopping together, and then let them cook and experiment with minimal assistance from you. The more experience they have in the kitchen, the more empowered they’ll feel and the more ownership they’ll take over the food. Of course, make sure you keep delicious options on hand yourself in case what they’re making doesn’t turn out well!

6. What are the benefits of living this kind of lifestyle?

The benefits are many – you can easily achieve your ideal weight, you lower your risk for all types of chronic disease, and you can even arrest or reverse certain chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. You’re doing something good for the planet, as a plant-based diet has been identified as the most environmentally sustainable choice we have. And of course, you’re living a compassionate lifestyle which millions of animals will appreciate.

ABOUT MICAELA COOK KARLSEN

Micaela Karlsen

MICAELA COOK KARLSEN is a founding employee and former Executive Director of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. A contributor to the New York Times bestseller Forks Over Knives and the creator of www.PlantBasedResearch.org, a free online database of research on plant-based nutrition, she holds an MSPH in Human Nutrition from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and is a PhD candidate in Nutritional Epidemiology at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is the author of A Plant-Based life: Your Complete guide to Great Food, Radiant Health, Boundless Energy, and a Better Body (AMACOM). She lives in Boston.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Plant-Based-Research-303384226459892/

Blog:  http://micaelakarlsen.com/blog/

Website:  http://plantbasedresearch.org/

Interstellar Lasagna from Micaela Cook Karlsen

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

A Plant Based Life Cookbook Author Micaela Cook Karlsen shares her delicious and nutritious recipe for lasagna with Urban Suburban Mommy.  Read our full interview with Micaela here.

Interstellar Lasagna

“I finished perfecting this recipe the week that NASA’s Kepler Mission found a new Earth-like planet, 452b, so I named it in honor of the discovery,” she said.

Ingredients:

Layer 1: 1 medium onion, 1 16-ounce package firm tofu (drained), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons white miso , 1/3  cup nutritional yeast, 1/3  cup packed fresh basil leaves

Layer 2: 1 medium onion, 1 10-ounce package cremini mushrooms (stems trimmed), ½ cup frozen spinach, ¼ cup pine nuts, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, salt to taste

Additional components: 1 10-ounce box whole-grain lasagna noodles  and 3 to 4 cups of your favorite tomato sauce (or try Chef AJ’s Quick Sun-Dried Tomato Marinara)

Toppings:  1 medium tomato, sliced thinly, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

Make layer 1: Place the onion in a food processor, and pulse until it is finely chopped. Add the tofu, garlic powder, miso, and nutritional yeast and blend until everything is evenly mixed. At this point the mixture will be like a dry puree—grainy and not too wet. Add the basil leaves and pulse until the basil is chopped into small bits and evenly distributed in the mixture. Transfer the contents of layer 1 to a medium bowl.

Make layer 2: Place the onion in a food process and pulse until it is finely chopped. Add the mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, Italian seasoning, and salt and blend until everything is evenly mixed.

Assemble the lasagna: Divide your noodles into three equal piles, to correspond with the three noodle layers in the final dish. Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13–inch glass pan with ¾ cup tomato sauce and ½ cup water. Use a spoon to mix the two and evenly distribute the liquefied sauce. Place one layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce-water mixture. Cover the noodles with 1 to 1 ½ cups tomato sauce, using a spoon to evenly distribute it. Add the mixture for Layer 1 to the pan. Cover layer 1 with the second layer of noodles. Add the mixture for Layer 2 to the pan. Cover Layer 2 with the third/top layer of noodles. Cover the noodles with 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups tomato sauce using a spoon to evenly distribute it.

Add the toppings: Place tomato slices on top of the sauce evenly around the pan. Sprinkle each slice with a bit of salt for added flavor, if desired, then sprinkle the nutritional yeast evenly on top of the tomatoes.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove cover and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the top surface has developed a skin. Serves 6-8.

Micaela Karlsen

MICAELA COOK KARLSEN is a founding employee and former Executive Director of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. A contributor to the New York Times bestseller Forks Over Knives and the creator of www.PlantBasedResearch.org, a free online database of research on plant-based nutrition, she holds an MSPH in Human Nutrition from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and is a PhD candidate in Nutritional Epidemiology at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is the author of A Plant-Based life: Your Complete guide to Great Food, Radiant Health, Boundless Energy, and a Better Body (AMACOM). She lives in Boston.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Plant-Based-Research-303384226459892/

Blog:  http://micaelakarlsen.com/blog/

Website:  http://plantbasedresearch.org/