I just ordered some more Mop Top shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. When my friend Kris dropped off several bottles of shampoo, conditioner, detangler and pomade for me to review I was thrilled but had my doubts I would like it enough to order more. I’m not a product person, and although I’ve tried a few curl-specific products none were standouts.

The best thing about this shampoo is that it made my fine, thin curly hair shinier and less fuzzy. This is especially remarkable in the humid South where we live. The other great benefit is that I could go longer between shampoos since it wasn’t weighed down by heavy conditioners I was using to de-frizz. So now I can wash, condition, add a little pomade and go and the curls are better defined and soft. Even if I brush it out later when it’s dry it doesn’t get frizzy. Read the rest »

Babyfaces: Photo of the Week
A new parents’ dream - asleep at last

Boston Mamas: Two Months of Daily Giveaways!
First birthdays are a big deal. We’re celebrating by giving away daily prizes through July and August!

MomFinds: Top Five Tinted Moisturizers for Summer Beauty
The happy medium between foundation and moisturizer, with SPF coverage as an added bonus, tinted moisturizers are a mom’s best friend not just during the summer, but all year long.

Boston Mamas: Lifeguard on Duty: For an extra line of sun defense, check Cabana Life’s breezy, beachy 50+ UV protection clothing for boys, girls, and women.

Celebrity Moms: Jennifer Garner on Her Insecurities and Beauty Routine: Jennifer Garner may be an A-List celebrity mom, but she still has her insecurities

MomFinds: Baby Bathtime Fun Guide: Get your little one squeaky clean and squealing with delight with these fun bathtub essentials for comfort and safety, colorful towels to stave off the shivers and water toys sure to entertain.

One Chic Mama: Birthdays Can Be Fun Again: Birthdays Without Pressure offers up suggestions to simplify birthday celebrations

The Stylish Child: Angelina Jolie Shares Her Jeans Style with Zahara: Angelina Jolie is one stylish mom and now she’s passing her favorite jean style down to daughter Zahara

Our children are born with by and large the healthiest skin we ever see. They are born with a fatty padding, which gives it a smooth, soft appearance. It has no damage from the sunlight. However, as children play outside, often spending most of the summer out of doors, there is often massive exposure to the sun, which will have long term consequences.

The care of their skin is almost entirely in the hands of their parents. Regular protection against the sun should begin now. Read the rest »

Babyfaces - Photo of the Week - Who’s baby’s best friend?

Boston Mamas: Cool Doodling The Offi Doodle Desk offers a modern all-in-one desk, seat, and storage unit for little artists.

Classy Mommy: Laurie’s Lagniappe Ink Stamp - We just got this whimsical self inking stamp for Mackenzie. Hand designed just for her with her initial and name as shown on the left. Laurie’s Lagniappe has over 25 classy designs to choose from and the quality of this stamp is top notch. Super sturdy - it looks like it will last for years to come! Classy Mommy approved!

Coochicoos: Europe’s Favorite Quinny Stroller in U.S. - See what the fuss is all about on the new stroller arrival from Europe

MamaPop: Who’s Noggined Out? Desperate Mother of 4 year old Seeks Alternative Entertainment Options… No matter how oddly attractive that Sportacus is, and no matter how many moments you can while away pondering the whole “Why Iceland???” thing, after a while you are simply Noggined and Sprouted out. Read the rest »

Harsh winds and cold spells can wreak havoc on the most resilient skin. Winter’s low humidity can sap moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy and cracked. In humid conditions, the skin can replenish lost moisture by soaking up moisture from the air. When the humidity drops in the winter, however, your skin loses the opportunity to moisturize itself. Couple that with the low humidity resulting from indoor heating, and your skin can become tight and dry. What’s a busy clever parent to do?

Not to worry! Now is the perfect time of year to adjust your skincare routine. A few simple steps can help you combat the effects of winter skin and make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance!

Wash with lukewarm, not hot, water and use a moisturizing cleanser.
Your skin contains thousands of oil glands that prevent the skin from losing moisture and help keep it supple and soft. When you wash your skin, however, you strip away oil, letting moisture evaporate and drying the skin. Hot water and harsh cleansers further strip the skin, so be sure to turn down the water temperature and avoid alcohol-based cleansers. Read the rest »

What: Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can

Why: When it comes to baking, you’re not necessarily Mrs. Fields, but it doesn’t mean you can’t give your friends some Cake for the holidays. For your best friend who’s always there for you, especially when you need to vent about your crazy day, give her the ultimate treat– Cake’s Bake Me a Cake As Fast As You Can gift set. Featuring three layers of pure decadence, this is the gift that she’ll be bragging about to everyone and their mother. The top layer is a Mint Cashmere Candle that smells good enough to eat; the middle layer contains three almost sinful bath and shower gels, and the bottom layer treats overworked hands to some TLC. And get a set for yourself while you’re at it, because you deserve it!

Price: $80

Find it: cakebeauty.com

Tip: You can buy the layers separately to get more bang for your buck.