Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

During my visit to the salon, Neira recreated Charlize Theron’s braided updo.  Theron plays the role of Evil Queen Ravenna ,and despite the complexity of her hairstyle, Neira created a similar look in less than 30 minutes.  The styles are Medieval-inspired with a modern twist.

During my time at the Studio City Salon, Neira shared some tips on creating these looks.

1. Messy is in! If you’re attempting to create an updo at home, don’t be overly concerned about perfection. Contrary to what you may think, every hair does not need to be in place to achieve a modern, sophisticated look.

2. A little dirt won’t hurt!  According to Neira, you don’t have to wash your hair before creating an updo. In fact, it might be easier to work with your hair if it’s a little dirty. Try using a bit of pomade before working with your hair.

3.  Take a shortcut! Short on time? Place your hair in a ponytail then begin braiding.  Or if you have short hair, you can always buy braids to help create your look.

Above all, have fun!

Snow White and the Huntsman debuts in theaters June 1st.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to the salon for a updo and interview with the stylist.  

I have thick, curly hair that can be difficult to manage. As a busy mom of two, I don’t often have a lot of time to straighten and style my hair, so quality products, designed for my particular needs are essential.  Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy offers six shampoos and five conditioners designed to cleanse, nourish, and strenghten hair…from the scalp. According to the brand, 99% of hair’s natural strength and beauty come from the scalp and it makes sense that we’d start at the “root” for strong, beautiful hair.  In addition to this revolutionary appraoch, the line is designed to begin eliciting results in just seven days.

The shampoos and conditioners are formulated with Nutrium 10 technology, which in essence is a blend of 10 vitamins and nutrients that “feed” the scalp.  I have to admit that had I thought about this approach in the past, I would have been searching for hair care products specifically designed to work on the scalp because one of my primary hair care concerns is dryness. Our weather here in California is already dry and during the winter months my scalp can get incredibly dry and itchy.  One of the first things I noticed after using the products for seven days was the fact that I didn’t experience that dryness.  Over time, I also began to notice that my hair felt softer and in general has become easier to manage.

As much as I try not to pay attention to asthetics, packaging and scent can definitely be a deciding factor when choosing a line of hair care products.  I particularly like the sleek design of the bottles because they stand out amongst other brands on the store shelf.

Before I purchase shampoo and conditioner, I smell it.  It’s important that the scent be pleasant but not overwhelming.  I found Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy to have definite fruity undertones (apple, pear) which I prefer over stronger floral scents.  Interestingly enough, on one of the very first days I used the product, I had a friend ask me what type of perfume I was wearing (I wasn’t wearing any!).

As far as how the products feel, I found that the shampoo lathers immediately and doesn’t require a lot of product to achieve that rich lather.  The conditioner is moisturizing without being weighty.  After a shampoo and condition, my hair feels clean and vibrant.

There are many components that contribute to strong, beautiful hair. Stress, diet, age, and environment can all contribute to the overall health of your hair. Dermatologist Francesca Fusco offers the following tips:

1. Drink 2 liters of water every day

2. Eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids

3. Find a way to relieve and manage stress (yoga, meditation, exercise, and sleep can help alleviate stress)

4. Alternate the use of hot and cold water on the scalp to stimulate circulation

5.  Minimize the use of heat on the hair and scalp including blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and diffusers

6.  Consider the use of an air humidifier to replenish moisture to the hair and scalp

7.  Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and massage the products into the scalp for at least one minute

For more information about Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy, just visit your local Walmart.

Be sure to check out all five of the videos featured on the site including Christine, Amy, Erika, and Colleen. Here are some photos from our shoot:

I wish I had someone to do my makeup every day!

Camera Ready?

Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Ed Hardy

This uber-trendy line for babies and tots, boys and girls, features tattoo-inspired designs and vibrant colorful prints. Every piece is under $20 and most are under $10!

 Hello Kitty Organics

My daughter absolutely adores the iconic kitty with her signature bow.  I have to admit that this is the first I’ve heard of an organic line but from what I’ve read, I am inspired to pick up a few pieces.  The fabrics are soft and comprised of 100% organic cotton.   The line is basic (long and short sleeve tees, pants, and hoodies) but adorable and most importantly, affordable.

Big Beloog

Summer is right and the corner and if you’re planning on enjoying a little fun in the sun, be sure to check out this collection of rash guards, hats, and UV protective swimwear for kids ages one to eight.

For upcoming sales scheduled to open this weekend, just visit Totsy.

Disclosure: I am a member of Totsy’s Mom Committee and receive site credit to help facilitate reviews and provide honest feedback.

This week is National Shoe Week!  Can you believe it? An entire week dedicated to my favorite accessory!  I’m not the type of woman who spends extravagant amounts of money on “things” but a fashionable, well-fitting shoe is something I consider to be a valuable investment. To celebrate, I headed over to The Shops at Mission Viejo to shop and see what kinds of deals are presently running.

In my twenties, my shoe choices were largely focused on fashion. They were the types of shoes that weren’t really designed to be walked in.  With two children in tow, comfort and support are vital, but I don’t want to sacrifice style.  Apart from the mall’s two department stores, there are 15 stores at The Shops at Mission Viejo that offer shoes for men, women, and children.  One of my favorite shoe designers has a store at this particular mall, but on the day I wasn’t able to find the right “fit” at Steve Madden so I headed over to Macy’s, my go-to for apparel, fashion, and makeup.

Two of my favorite comfort shoe brands have a large presence at the department store and Macy’s happened to be having a wonderful shoe sale!

I picked up these leather platform sandals in black from Born.  Despite the fact that I could live in these shoes, they’re attractive and versatile, allowing me to wear them with dresses and slacks or capris and jeans. Born prides themselves on offering handcrafted styles and premium leathers with an attention for detail.

The retail price of these shoes is $90, but together with the pair of gold platform sandals I picked up from Clarks (which retail for $94.99)  my total bill ended up being approximately $105 plus tax which is a great deal!  I received an additional 25% off each shoe because my bill totaled over $100 making each pair of shoes half price.

Despite the abundance of shoe stores that have a presence at this particular Simon Malls location, I often shop at Macy’s because of the expansive selection and affordable prices. With Memorial Weekend coming up, I imagine most of the stores will have some type of sale, however, for store-specific specials and deals, just visit the website.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. A Simon Malls Gift Card was provided by Simon Malls to help facilitate this review and this post does not necessarily represent Simon Property Group’s positions, strategies or opinion

Photo Credit: Rockin’ Mama

Publix,  one of the most popular supermarket chains in the Southeast, is currently running a promotion where you can get a $5 gift card with any $30 purchase from one of the following brands (please see websites for specific product details):

General Mills

Charmin

Totino’s

Pillsbury

Betty Crocker

Tide

Crest

Aussie

Herbal Essences

Luv’s

Purchases must be made between May 16th and June 2nd to quality for the gift card.  Publix offers additional ways to save on their website, including an iPhone app.  One of the tips I like and try to stick to is purchasing store brands when feasible.  You can check out more ways to save on Publix.

Win It!  One of you will win a $25 Publix Gift Card. Simply leave me a comment with your best tip for saving at the grocery store.  Comments will close on June 2nd, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @Publix Gift Card @rockinmama  ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Publix gift cards for review/giveaway supplied by MyBlogSpark.

During my visit to Pixar Animation Studios, I actually spent a bit of time learning about archery from both the experts they brought in and Jim from Wired.com/GeekDad.  Having taken archery in high school (random right?), I recalled some basic information about how to hold the bow and arrow and proper stance but I definitely needed a refresher.

Here are some tips I learned about hitting the mark:

1. The right bow. Interestingly enough, there are actually several different types of bows, and if you’re an expert, one will be fitted for you (I learned this during my time at the US Olympic Training Center.

2. A proper stance.  Merida models the perfect stance in this scene and throughout the film.  The bow and arrow should be held firmly and steadily and when the string is pulled back, the anchor point should be either the corner of the mouth or the cheek.

3. The Perfect Aim.  Once the bow and arrow are in position and you are ready to draw the string, one eye should be closed to focus on that spot you wish to hit on the target.

4. Follow Through.  Hold your position until the arrow hits the target.  Altering your stance and position of the bow prematurely can result in missing the mark.

You can see more of Merida’s mad bow and arrow skills this June when Disney/Pixar reelases Brave!

Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

Photos Disney/Pixar.

Do I have more weight than I did before children? Yes.  Are there areas I’d like to tone and firm? Absolutely.  But overall, I have enough confidence not to hide behind a cover-up.  It helps that a Lands’ End Swim Expert assisted in helping me find a swimsuit that fits!  My body’s proportions aren’t exactly to scale when it comes to tops and bottoms, so I chose a swimsuit from the brand’s SwimMates collection. The bikinis and camis offer true bra sizing for the appropriate fit and women can select from two types of coverage with regards to bottoms.  If you prefer a bit more coverage, Lands’ End offers skirts and shorts. The “4 Piece Bikini” offers a layered look and includes a bikini top, cami, bottoms, and skirt or shorts and everything was designed to swim in.  A proper fitting swimsuit with the amount of coverage a woman desires can make a huge difference in boosting a woman’s confidence about wearing a swimsuit, regardless of her shape and size.

National Swimsuit Confidence Week was initiated last year to help educate and inspire women to embrace their confidence and beauty for an enjoyable summer.  Spring is always deemed that unofficial season where women are to get in shape in preparation for swimsuit season.  While I believe fitness and health are vital to a woman’s beauty and confidence, I don’t think that she should have to hide or abstain from wearing a swimsuit simply because she’s still working on attaining her goals for fitness and beauty.  I am honored to be one of the 100 bloggers selected to proudly show off their swimsuit confidence!  Additionally, 21 writers from Curvy Girl and 20 breast cancer survivors from Beyond the Boobie Trap will be featured on the Lands’ End Facebook page in swimsuits.

Do you have swimsuit confidence?

No compensation was received for this post.  I was provided with a swimsuit from Lands’ End as part of my participation in this campaign.  

Anticipation for Disney/Pixar’s latest film Brave is growing, and in preparation for the red carpet premiere and release in June, I’ll have some inside information about all that went into the creative process.  During our time at Pixar Animation Studios, we had an opportunity to sit down with Claudia Chung (Simulation Supervisor), Louis Gonzales (Story Artist), Steve Pilcher (Production Designer) and Tia Kratter (Shading Art Director) to discuss the nearly 7 year process of creating the computer animated film.

Every time I see a film, particularly one that is animated, I think back to our interview with John Lasseter and his perspective on what makes a good movie:

Tell a compelling story; populate it with memorable and appealing characters; and put those characters in a believable world – John Lasseter

At the heart of Brave is a story about a mother and a daughter who don’t see eye to eye, stated Gonzales. During his presentation, he shared some insights on what it takes to get an idea onto the screen as a full-feature animated film.  The story itself is constantly being fleshed out…refining and building so that they deliver a story everyone is proud of.  During the early stages of the film-making process, the artists are drawing based on an idea, and it’s only when the creative team approves the outline that they are given a budget to do formal research.

Gonzales spent 10 days in Scotland soaking in as much of the people, culture, weather, and landscape as possible.  The team took over 10,000 photos, drawing and documenting everything they observed and experienced to give the film an authentic Scottish feel.  “We want to tell honest stories with honest characters so people can relate to them” stated Gonzales.  Brave is set in 900 A.D. and everything from the earthy castle to the overgrown trees in the forest reflects that old world feel the artists aspired towards.  While in Scotland, Gonzales recalled spending time with a group of locals who played folk music.  The team asked questions and listened to their stories, experiences that sometimes make their way into a film.  They also went to observe Scottish Highland Games and archery and met with a farmer who cared for Clydesdale horses, all of which are replicated authentically in the film.

Gonzales is as knowledgeable as he is talented and shared some interesting facts about the film’s creative process.  A typical scene consists of anywhere from 200 to 500 drawings and each scene takes 3-5 days to complete.  One hundred scenes were drawn but only 35 made it into the film. Over 111,000 storyboards were drawn for the film (with at least 25% more drawn that were not submitted) and if you want some comparative perspective, you’ll find that 80,000 storyboards were drawn for Cars 2 and +92,000 were drawn for Toy Story 3.  As you can imagine, the film is visually stunning and spot on in it’s depiction of Scotland.

In addition to helping the artists create a believable world, the team’s two research trips to Scotland helped define the characters in the film.  Both attire and the environment a character is placed in for any given scene helps to visually emphasize their personality.

Elinor (Merida’s mother) carries the weight of the kingdom on her shoulders, said Shading Art Director Tia Kratter.  To emphasize that, the team gave her more weight on the bottom, bound her hair in soft fabrics and added vertical shapes to depict the control she thrives on.

Similarly, Merida is wild and adventurous and her hair is a direct representation of her spirit.  In fact, according to Simulation Supervisor Claudia Chung, Merida’s hair was a character unto itself.  With over 111,000 curls rendered on Merida’s head, you can undesrstand why it took 2-3 years to hone down the final look of her hair.

Even after watching the first 30 minutes of Brave, I gained a sense of the creativity and professionalism that was involved “from page to screen.” As we get closer to the film’s release, I’ll be sharing more information and exclusive interviews from the filmmakers.

Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

Photos Disney/Pixar.

Macy’s, one of my favorite go-to department stores for clothing, shoes, accessories, and makeup, released several new items in their women’s activewear and swimwear departments for 2012.  Since I’ll be participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week, I decided to select an outfit from their activewear department.

Having shopped at the chic and moderately upscale department store for many many years, I know that only the most reputable brands have a presence throughout the store.  Since fashion is just as important as function, I opted for a matching white, crewneck shirt paired with lightweight bootcut pants.  When I think of a line of activewear that is flattering and performs well, Nike comes to mind, which is one of the reasons I selected these two items.

The tee features Dri-Fit fabric which was designed to keep the wearer cool and dry as it wicks away moisture.  It also offers UV protection for those who prefer to exercise outdoors.  The Jersey Bootcut pants are lightweight, stylish, and comfortable, and I definitely feel like I could go to the grocery store or run errands without having to change.

Macy’s assortment of activewear for women is expansive and includes pieces from reputable brands such as Champion, Nike, Puma, and The North Face.  Their online store is easy to navigate and shoppers can search by brand, apparel type, size, color, and price.  For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. The items received for review were provided by GigaSavvy.