Though I always have an eye out for budget beauty products (especially short-use makeup where you might want to play with color), I do think it's worth investing in quality daily skin care products. This winter I’ve been testing out Shiseido’s Benefique collection and have been thrilled with the products, which are gentle, quick absorbing (no goopiness!), and have left me with happy -- not chappy -- winter skin! 

Benefique's skin temperature based regimen involves 3 steps (cleanse, moisturize, treat). There are 3 lotions to choose from depending on seasonal and skin temperature, and 2 emulsions to choose from (I is for warm temperature/oilier skin; II is for colder weather/drier skin). Given the frigid temperatures, I’ve been using the cleansing foam (and the hot cleansing cleaner once a week), lotion III, emulsion II, and treatment cream. Going through the regimen doesn’t take long and I'm loving the results; my skin is nourished and happy and even my mom (a huge Shiseido fan who has no problem telling me when my skin looks bad!) told me at lunch this week that my skin looked awesome. SWEET. (I guess one never stops wanting mom's approval!)

These products are definitely spendier than drugstore picks, but they will last because you don't need to use much for full coverage. I've been using Benefique daily since early December (3 months ago) and I'm not even a third of the way into the products! 

Have you tried Shiseido? What are your favorite daily use products? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Disclosure: Shiseido kindly sent me product to test for editorial consideration; opinions are, of course, my own. Image credits: thumbnail via Shiseido; product layout by Christine Koh

Following my post on amping up your wardrobe with necklaces, for the next installment of Style on a Budget, I'm focusing on scarves. Like necklaces, scarves offer a lightning fast way add dimension to your outfit, and here in the tundra scarves also are functional for warmth! Added bonuses: you don’t need to go to a dressing room to try scarves on + per the recommendations in this post, scarves offer an affordable means to try a new style or fad.

Today I'm sharing a collection of scarves from Old Navy because: a) they are crazy inexpensive; and b) you don’t have to worry as much about the inexpensive garment fall apart factor because, well, NO SEAMS! Here are 7 options in a range of styles; I encourage you to use these affordable options to venture out of your comfort zone! For example, do always wear neutrals? Then try colorful options #5 or #6. Is your style super minimal? Then pair it with the romantic vibe of #4.

1. MODERN. This black and white geometric print (currently on sale for $12) adds instant edge to an outfit, whether you're going casual in a denim shirt and leggings or with a black sheath dress at work.

2. PREPPY. This navy blue stripe scarf (currently on sale for $14) is just begging to lift a simple outfit. The stripes would also play preppily well if you want to mix patterns (e.g., with dotted skinny jeans).

3. BOHO. With it's mixed pattern weave and tassled edges, this white and blue large pattern scarf ($16.94) offers up a more casual, bohemian feel. It would play well against a denim shirt, skinny jeans, and knee high boots.

4. ROMANTIC. Encourage spring into being with this romantic floral scarf ($14.94). It would look super cute with a belted dress or contrasted against a military jacket.

5. CREATIVE. Want to get double the bang for your buck? The cheerful colorways and two-sided patterning of this reverse infinity scarf ($17.94) show just how creative and vibrant you are. 

6. ELEGANT. The large scale pattern of this floral print (currently on sale for $12) conveys lovely elegance while giving your outfit a color boost.

7. MINIMALIST. I'm a big fan of white scarves as a means to instantly brighten your face. This white and grey colorblock scarf ($17.94) offers a cool, minimal way to add texture to your outfit.

So fun, right? I'd love to hear which scarves are your favorites!

Image credits: Old Navy

For the first installment of Style on a Budget, I'm addressing one of the easiest fashion amp-ups known to woman: the necklace. Why start here? Because by virtue of geography, necklaces are a focal point. In fact, as much as I love shoes I usually prioritize my necklace choice over shoes due to said geography reality. Also, necklaces can be very affordable. Today, I want to share 10 beautiful options, all under $50.

Now, in the course of acquiring many, many necklaces (my friend Jess dubbed me Queen of the Statement Necklace -- thanks, Jess!) I’ve learned that the true workhorses are the ones that are pretty and shiny but not so crazy that they are too obvious to wear repeatedly. So, I focused my round up on pieces that are bright and shiny, yet not too in your face so you can wear them again and again (because dollars per use matters when you’re due to buy, say, a case of diapers!). I also focused on gold tones because they go with all sorts of outfits and can instantly make your look appear more expensive and polished. HERE GOES!

1. There are some places you can get jewelry on the super cheap. Old Navy is one of those places but you can’t buy their jewelry online. H&M is another option, and this short floral necklace ($19.95) offers volume and sparkle in neutral tones.

2. I love pendant necklaces, and this geo horn tassel pendant from Bauble Bar (currently on sale for $25) is a total steal. The layers are awesome, as are the mixed elements. So chic.

3. A lot of my jewelry workhorses come from J. Crew Factory; this gold and crystal squares necklace (currently on sale for $29.50) is sparkly yet understated.

4. I’ve been on a bit of a geometric metals bender lately; I love this stacked half moon necklace (also from J. Crew Factory, and also currently on sale for $29.50).

5. I actually gasped a little when I saw this leather ladder necklace from LOFT ($34.50). I’m ordering it right after I publish this post. Such a great piece, casual or dressy.

6. If giant jeweled statement necklaces scare you, this personal edge collar necklace from Banana Republic (currently on sale for $37) is a great pick.

7. This seaworthy geo bib pendant from Urban Outfitters ($48) is another piece that would look awesome with casual or dressy outfits.

8. I love arrows and I simply adore Anthropologie’s archer’s arrow necklace ($48). This would be a great go-to daily piece.

9. I also love and own several pieces of Gorjana jewelry; the minimal style is just oozing with cool...as are the two-strand hashtag necklaces on Piperlime ($48). Choose from #selfie or #nofilter.

10. Triangles are so pretty and modern. Stella & Dot’s Alexia necklace ($49) can be worn multiple ways and is available in gold or silver.

What are your favorite picks? And if you have budget fashion quandaries, send them my way at editor@bostonmamas.com.

Image credits: all product images via linked sources above; compilation image by Christine Koh

Friends, I'm so excited! I’ve been wanting to write more fashion editorial and after pondering and consulting with Kris-Ann, today I'm launching a new editorial series called Style on a Budget. Why? Because while I do believe in investing in key pieces, there are definitely ways to amplify and improve your wardrobe without breaking the bank. I also share the frustration of many women when I see “bargain” fashion editorial that is far from affordable.

So, my goals for this series are multifaceted! First, I want to help you track down great pieces for less. Second, I want to help you figure out how to make the most of what you have. And third, I want to share clever solutions and inspiration. Every now and then I also will likely address pieces worth investing in -- investment pieces are, in fact, part of budgeting -- but largely, my approach will be to help you look awesome at reasonable expense. If you’ve got particular fashion quandaries you’d like me to address, send me an email at editor@bostonmamas.com!

First feature in the series: why necklaces are the easiest wardrobe amp-up ever + 10 gorgeous necklaces under $50

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My visit to the fashionABLE factory in Ethiopia two years ago changed my life, and I continue to be inspired by Barrett Ward's infectious enthusiasm and determination to help women elevate their lives. Barrett is truly amazing and it was fantastic to see him in Washington last week at the #AYASummit. Meanwhile, it's fashionABLE's 4th birthday this week so I thought it would be fun to share 5 of my favorite picks from their collection. Go shop! Everything is on sale this week and your dollars will make a difference!

1. I love white scarves (they immediately brighten up your face!), and the Aster scarf adds punch with a colorful chevron pattern. I just ordered one this morning!

2. This incredible Tizita bracelet trio is made from bullet casings and scrap metal by farmers in the Entoto mountains, a community of healing for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

3. I adore the Mehari blanket, which would serve gorgeously indoors or outdoors. I've been meaning to order this blanket ever since it was released; I did so this morning and can't wait to cozy up under the Mehari on the couch with the girls!

4. The gorgeous Mamuye leather tote comes in three colors; the cognac is perfection.

5. Stack up the awesome with these leather and thread Teshome bracelets.

Image credits: fashionABLE

Crowdsourcing for book recommendations has become one of my favorite things to do via social media. I love hearing how passionate people are about books and over the last several years, these lists have been my go-to source for so many wonderful reads! Following last year's 80 books for your booklist, I decided to canvas again and received 100 recommendations in a few days -- bookmark or print this list out for your next bookstore or library visit!

I've included the name of the recommender(s) and any specific comments, to help guide your choices (I tend to start with books with multiple recommendations or enthusiastic comments!). If you have other recommendations not on this list, of course feel free to share via comment!

1. A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (via Kris-Ann)

2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (via Morra)

3. A Long Time Gone by Karen White (via Kris-Ann)

4. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (via Kaitlyn, Heather)

5. American Romantic by Ward (via Morra: ”Just like a modern day Graham Greene and really good.”)

6. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (via Christina)

7. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (via Ana-Maria)

8. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (via Lucrecer)

9. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters (via Sharon, Elena)

10. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (via Amie)

11. Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (via Sharon)

12-14. Century Trilogy: Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett (via Amie)

15. China Dolls by Lisa See (via Sharon)

16. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (via Hillary)

17. Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reichl (via Morra)

18. Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey (via Lucrecer)

19. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell (via Matt)

20. Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose by Gillian McCain (via Ana-Maria)

21. Defending Jacob by William Landay (via Tara)

22. Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry (via Lucrecer)

23. Euphoria by Lily King (via Morra)

24. Family Life by Akhil Sharma (via @notabilia)

25. For You Mom, Finally (originally published as Not Becoming My Mother and Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way) by Ruth Reichl (via Morra)

26. Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl (via Morra)

27. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (via Kaitlyn, Melissa)

28. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman (via Melissa: “Perfect amount of fantasy for summertime.”)

29. How the World Sees You by Sally Hogshead (via Lucrecer)

30. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb (via Sharon)

31. I Heart My Little A-Holes by Karen Alpert (via Meredith)

32. In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner (via Amie)

33. In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (via Laura)

34. Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry (via @stephsday)

35. Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson (via Tara: “My daughter read this as part of book club, great for kids.”)

36. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (via Kaitlyn)

37. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg (via @stephsday)

38. Lipshtick by Gwen Macsai (via Lindsey)

39. Love and Treasure by Ayelet Waldman (via Heather)

40. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (via Kristy; Amie: “Made me cry, but I loved it!”)

41. Moloka’i by Alan Brennert (via Annie)

42. Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini (via Sharon)

43. My Salinger Year by Joanna Smith Rakoff (via Casey)

44. NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman (via Matt)

45. One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson (via Kristy)

46. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (via Stacey, Sharon, Tara, Heather)

47. Our Boston: Writers Celebrate the City They Love by Andrew Blauner (via Heather: “Collection of essays and stories benefitting The One Fund.”)

48. Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety by Charlie Hoehn (via Lucrecer)

49. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (via Jen)

50. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (via Kaitlyn)

51. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz (via Lucrecer)

52. Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane) by Gavin De Becker (via @stephsday)

53. Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews (via Kris-Ann)

54. Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead (via Heather)

55. Serena by Ron Rash (via Kaitlyn)

56. Tell No One by Harlan Coben (via Andrea)

57. Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl (via Morra)

58. Testimony by Anita Shreve (via Kris-Ann)

59. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan Philipp-Sendker (via Heather: “Loved, loved, LOVED.”)

60. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (via Christine)

61. The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle (via Kris-Ann)

62. The Bell Ringers by Henry Porter (via Sharon)

63. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (via Laura)

64. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (via Heather)

65. The Circle by Dave Eggers (via Stefania)

66. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (via Melissa: ”Read in 2 days, couldn’t put it down. Very old school noir mystery like Raymond Chandler.”)

67. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (via Laura)

68. The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe (via Heather: “Loved it!”)

69. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (via Laura, Tara, Christine; Jessica: “I just finished The Fault in Our Stars, probably the last American mom to read it. But it was a quick, delightful, heartbreaking, beautiful read and I am so glad I finally got to it.”)

70. The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes (via Stefania)

71. The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille (via Amie: “Good beach read.”)

72. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (via Heather, Amie)

73. The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais (via Tara)

74. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (via @courtneytheduke)

75. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (via Sharon)

76. The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood (via Christy: “Heartbreaking, but so beautifully crafted.”)

77. The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank (via Kris-Ann)

78. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (via Elena)

79. The Magic Room: A Story About the Love We Wish for Our Daughters by Jeffrey Zaslow (via Kris-Ann)

80. The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand (via Ryan, Heather)

81. The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin (via Close Buy Catalog)

82. The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst (via Jessica: “Perfect novel for a cross-country flight.”)

83. The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi (via Thien-Kim)

84. The Red Thread by Ann Hood (via Christy)

85. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (via Kristy, Tara)

86. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert (via Heather)

87. The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob (via Karen)

88. The Vacationers by Emma Straub (via Heather)

89. The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan (via Sharon)

90. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper (via Meredith: “Provided much needed laughter.”)

91. Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis (via Elaine)

92. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (via Lindsay: “INCREDIBLE. Life changing.”)

93. Visible City by Tova Mervis (via Lisa:“It’s a best seller and was written by a parent at my son’s school in Watertown.”)

94. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala (via @notabilia)

95. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty (via Laura)

96. Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple (via Sharon: “LOVED. Funny, funny.”)

97. White Teeth by Zadie Smith (via Kaitlyn)

98. Wild by Cheryl Strayed (via Elena)

99. Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson (via Thien-Kim: “I’m listening to this. It’s eloquent and he’s got a great voice!”)

100. Z: A Novel of Zelda Scott Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (via Sharon)

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Lexington, Medford, and Watertown features)! Today's Arlington Center recommendations (East Arlington + Arlington Heights are forthcoming separately) come from reader Justine Uhlenbrock, a birth doula, minimalist mom of two girls, and writer who shares about motherhood, building a family legacy, and the intersection of food and family. Thanks for sharing these 11 local gems, Justine!

+ + + + +

Arlington is a delightfully walkable, bike-friendly town, home to lovely parks and thriving shops. Its central location, bordering no less than six towns, means you're always a quick ride to anywhere (on the roads or via the Minuteman Bike Path)! Here are my favorites in Arlington Center:

1. Blue Ribbon BBQ. As a southern girl, I can attest to the authentic taste of Blue Ribbon's delicious barbecue. Their trio platter is huge, enough for two adults to share. Our favorite meats are the pulled pork, beef brisket, and jerk chicken. All the sides are good, but I'd go for the collard greens to get the genuine Dixie experience. The restaurant also caters, and they encourage you to take free homemade pickles on your way out, y’all. Don’t mind if I do!

2. Toraya. What Toraya lacks in ambience, it makes up for with simple, well-crafted, top-notch sushi; it's some of the best north of the river.

3. Kickstand Cafe. This café spot has changed hands several times over the years and the new ownership has made great improvements to this coffee shop on the bike path. They offer a few lunch items, and I love that they use quality local ingredients when available. Their Aztec hot chocolate knocks my socks off; I mix it with coffee to tone it down and pair my concoction with a ginger-lemon or chocolate-coconut scone.

4. Derby Farm Flower & Garden. This eclectic shop creates beautiful flower arrangements and also offers a gorgeously curated collection of gifts and gardening accoutrements. When the winter doldrums strike, I pop in to imagine what could be in the spring.

5. Arlington Centered. AC is little sister to D2 in neighboring Somerville. I could wander lazily around this funky Etsy-like boutique all day, provided my kids aren't with me. It’s full of perfect, well-priced gifts for anyone on my list from babies to men.

6. Pink Dolly. This resale boutique offers clothes for kids and adults (including maternity!). They make excellent use of their limited space.

7. Wild Child. Offering an impressive and adorable range of gears, gifts, and clothing in a relatively small footprint, I love that Wild Child carries one of my much-loved brands, Tea Collection.

8. The Book Rack. Reviewed earlier on this site, The Book Rack is simply the best used bookstore around. New titles also are available, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff always can put a finger on what you’re looking for.

9. Playtime. Need craft supplies for a school project or a last minute birthday present for your kid’s friend? In operation for an astounding 70+ years, Playtime is stuffed to the gills with craft and art supplies, toys, and more.

10. Helena’s. Flummoxed about what to wear? Helena's prides itself on offering versatile separates and accessories that make it easy (and fun) to get dressed. Cheers to that!

11. Robbins Library. A brilliant historical gem, Robbins Library is the country's oldest free children's library. The reading room is also a great place to catch up on your favorite magazines!

Do you have other Arlington Center gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages

My friend Meagan Francis is a gifted writer and incredibly productive person. She is the mother of 5 children and has written 5 books, the latest being the e-book Beyond Baby. And what I love about this e-book is that it’s all about putting YOU back in focus following the baby years haze. Beyond Baby is divided into 40 weeks (get it?) of exercises that get you thinking and acting to better yourself, your shelter, your relationships, and your dreams.

As those of you who have read Minimalist Parenting know, I'm a big proponent of the position that you matter just as much as your children do. If you’ve been wrestling with this topic, go grab a copy of Beyond Baby right now. You won’t even need to wait for it to ship to your doorstep.

Want more Friday Finds? Check out: Bella Sante HydraFacial, chair reupholstery tutorial, Mizuno Wave Prophecy, Jordana lip balm stains, LA Fresh eco-wipes, ridiculously awesome pants, parachute cord crafts, Where Is The Cake?, and Travelpro luggage

Image credit: Amazon

Want more Friday Finds? Check out: chair reupholstery tutorial, Mizuno Wave Prophecy, Jordana lip balm stains, LA Fresh eco-wipes, ridiculously awesome pants, parachute cord crafts, Where Is The Cake?, and Travelpro luggage - See more at: http://www.bostonmamas.com/blog/2014/5/2/friday-find-bella-santa-hydrafacial.html#sthash.zmdAIwsT.dpuf

When Laurel was a baby, one of my rookie nursing mom mistakes was attending a wedding in a regular dress -- meaning, one with an inflexible neckline and a side zipper that basically made it impossible to nurse without undressing. So when I started looking for nursing-friendly dresses to wear to a couple of weddings this year, after being completely underwhelmed by the nursing cocktail dress market, I was thrilled to land on the perfect style -- a dress that looks fabulous, nursing or not.
Basically, the key to finding a non-nursing, nursing-friendly dress is a stretchy material with a crossover neckline that will open widely enough to nurse. And here is where Ralph Lauren became my best friend. In general, I love the simple elegance of Ralph Lauren's style, but after I started prowling department store websites, I noticed that he clearly gets the perfect combination that is stretchy jersey, a trim silhouette, and waistline shirring and has run with this concept in a variety of lengths, colors, and sometimes patterns.

I wanted something other than black so was thrilled to find these two Ralph Lauren dresses on separate occasions:

I wore the purple Elsie dress (left; $130 at Lord & Taylor) to a wedding in California. The dress has a flattering deep neckline that makes nursing very easy, and a fitted empire waist with flattering shirring. The color is fantastic; a nice change from the LBD. And I found the red Casimer dress (right; $134 at Lord & Taylor) a couple of weeks ago when I was prowling the new arrivals section and ordered it immediately to wear for my sister's wedding this past weekend. The dress is already sold out online but it would be worth checking local stores. Featuring the same shirring as the Elsie (though not empire style), this dress features a stand collar and also pretty shirring at the sleeves. The color is stunning!

These dresses are both gorgeous in color and flattering in fit; I really liked having long sleeves on both since I haven't exactly had a lot of time to tone my arms (short of hauling Violet), plus it's perfect for chillier temperatures. And though I'm thrilled that these dresses work for nursing (I nursed Violet at both wedding receptions -- once while wearing the purple and twice while wearing the red), I'm also glad that they'll carry through in my closet once I'm done nursing.

A couple of final comments: 1) I recommend wearing Spanx with these dresses, as they are clingy. 2) Keep your eyes peeled for sales and coupon codes if you are shopping department stores for these dresses (I recommend checking Macy's and other department stores -- they all seem to carry Ralph Lauren). Lord & Taylor sends a lot of coupons by e-mail and post and I did not pay full price for either of these items!