Ingredients in Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Linked to Child Obesity?

Yes, you read correctly.

According to this article researchers have found an association between childhood obesity and phthalates. Phthalates are an endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in, lotions, nail polish, and perfumes.

The study measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 children and recorded body measurements and tested the children again one year later. The urine tests revealed that more than 97% of the children were exposed to the type of phthalates commonly used in personal care products. The researchers also found an association between concentrations of these phthalates with BMI and waist circumference among overweight children.

YIKES! All those things that make us feel fabulous can potentially be harmful for our little ones! 

A way to avoid pthalates is to read labels. Look for products that are labeled “Phthalate Free.” Phthalates can have different names like diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and benzylbutyl phthalate(BBP).

My favorite personal care line is Burt's Bees. They have everything from moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, and lip balms to a line of amazing baby products (plus they smell great!). They have a commitment to natural products and strive for them to be 100% natural. Their products average 99% natural, with half being 100% natural. 

Now that you are aware, go read those labels Mama! 

Day Time to Night Time

As a busy Mama it is important to be able to switch your day time look to a night time look quickly since you may not have much time to get ready. This Old Navy wrap dress is casual enough for day time and can be dressed up for night time. A wrap dress is flattering for every body type. It also fits great when you feel like you need to lose 5 pounds or have lost that five pounds since it contours to your body. 

For a day time look, you can pair it with comfy flat sandals and a big bag to fit everything you need. Since it is a bit low cut I added a camisole under so you can easily move around easily. A pair of cute leaf earrings add a little flare.

For a night time look, you can take out the camisole to make the dress sexier (this is optional, you can leave it on if you feel more comfortable). Pair it with high heel wedges that are easy to walk in and a cute starfish clutch to make it dressier. The bangle and hoop earrings give the outfit a polished look. Lastly, a loose open cardigan can keep you warm on a cool night. 

Day Time Look: Dress - Old Navy, Earrings - Target, Sandals - DSW, Camisole - Old Navy, Purse - Target.
Night Time Look: Dress - Old Navy, Wedges - DSW, Clutch - DSW, Hoop Earrings - Target,  Bangle - Target, Cardigan - Old Navy.

Weekly Quick Tip

Have your eyebrows become a little unruly since your baby came along? Try keeping a pair of tweezers in a easy to reach spot like a shelf over your sink or next to your toothbrush. Next time you see a stray hair or two (or ten) just grab the tweezers and quickly pluck away. Make sure to invest in a good pair that grabs the hair the first time so you're not wasting time trying to get the same hair 10 times and instead get 10 hairs the first time!

Below are a few great tweezers that are sure to get the job done the first time. They can all be found at a Target near you and range from $9 to $20.

Welcome to the Fab(ulous) Mama!

If you are a Mama then you are Fabulous!

You deserve to feel and look it too! Being a new Mama myself, I realized rather quickly how your baby becomes number one and you become number 2. While this is absolutely natural and what your new little person in your life needs, I believe that we shouldn't forget about ourselves. In this blog I want to show you that being a Mama doesn't mean forgetting about yourself. You can still be a Fabulous Mama with a few extra (easy) steps!