It certainly could be turning 40 a month ago (it has been a beautifully freeing experience) or it could be that having small people who are getting a little bit older is allowing me the luxury of dedicating more time and energy to putting the style back in my life, but I am having a wonderful time as I explore the dozens of ways that style fits beautifully back in to my world. I’m re-discovering hobbies, I’m fixing up my home in small ways, and I’m embracing my own personal style – something that I knew was always simmering just beneath the surface.
There is just something about being able to take a deep breath and embrace the moments that make you feel like ‘you’ again.
Last week, I was invited to an event that did just that – embraced all things beauty and style…. both in the home and life. It was held at Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lab in New York City and was hosted by Robert, Vanessa Lachey and Irma Martinez. As a trio, they were delightful – sharing style tips that anyone could incorporate into everyday living.
Some of my favorite tips they offered:
Robert’s tip when entertaining: serve food on a variety of trays in different rooms so that you can prep early and enjoy the party. Dry snack foods on one tray, light appetizers on another, drinks on yet another. Additionally – the trays do not need to match – having a variety offers pizazz and character. I love this – you can incorporate what you already have in your home AND relax enough so that you can mingle with your guests.
Vanessa’s tip when entertaining – create a ‘Kid’s Corner’ – complete with separate snacks and games to keep the small people entertained. She mentioned creating this space during her family’s Super Bowl Party (decorations and all!) I love this because it makes the kids feel special, they always know where they can go to grab food and drinks throughout the party and it succeeds in making them feel special. We are at a time in our lives now where we rarely entertain in our home WITHOUT the kids – so this is ideal as we always want the littlest ones to feel welcome.
Irma talked about family dinners – her tip was one we already do in our home and I LOVED to hear her suggest it because I think it is so important. (Not to mention, I thought it was so fun that we actually use the same verbiage!) During every family dinner, they take turns sharing their daily ‘high’ and ‘low’. My small people are at an age now that we can have true conversation and I can’t get enough of it. It means so much to me that we keep our conversations open and this is an ideal way to do it.
For keeping your clothes smelling fresh and beautiful, Irma also suggested using a small jewelry bag and placing some Downy Unstoppables in different clothing drawers or linen closets. I’m not sure if you have had the chance to try the Unstoppables yet, but the fragrance can make your whole home smell fresh.
And finally… a tip for when you have guests in the home from Vanessa – create a ‘Welcome Basket’ for them of items they can use – everything from a new toothbrush and toothpaste to a razor, floss and shampoo. This will save them from having to ask for anything they may have forgotten and will certainly leave your guests feeling as though you are happy they are there for visit.
The beauty of this event was not only in meeting Irma, Vanessa and Robert… though the three were delightful – I’m certain they could have have their own show as they operated like their own comedy team – but it was in experiencing the new P&G products in true ‘Have you tried this yet?’ fashion.
My home is filled with P&G and I recognize that their goal is to make my ‘everyday’ easier, better and brighter. Whether it’s the opportunity to pamper myself with Olay, Pantene or Venus or to earn my mom stripes taking care of my sick small dude as I did just the other night (cleaning up after him – thank GOD for the Swiffer Wet Jet!)…. I know that ‘Have you tried this yet?’ means, for me, a product that I can trust.
Some of my favorite products highlighted as this event were as shown above:
Swiffer Wet Jet:
Gillette® Venus & OlayTM Razor
Olay® Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo
ZzzQuilTM
Tide Vivid White and Bright
Pantene® Silky Moisture Whip
Downy Unstoppables
COVERGIRL + Olay® Tone RehabTM 2-in-1 Foundation
