MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH

Over the years, we've been to several Mother's Day brunches at different restaurants. This year we decided to have an intimate brunch at home with just the family and the food we like most. It was a repeat of an idea from last Mother's Day. With all different work schedules between us kids and my older brother traveling a lot, sometimes my family celebrates holidays on different days. This was the case last year. So when my mom walked in to see a brunch buffet and my brother's face on the computer Skyped in from Belgium, it was an emotional surprise that made her day! My mom decided she wante to do all again this year - but this time Nick was here to join us! We were so happy to all be together and hang out.

After enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home, we decided to face the chilly weather, and walk down the Riverwalk into downtown. We stopped to have a beer along the river and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown.

It was so nice to spend the day together, catch up, and laugh. Most importantly, we wanted to celebrate my mom and let her know how much we love and appreciate her! I hope your Mother's Day was as fun as ours!

AVACADO SALSA

This is one of my favorites! It's light, fresh and perfect for a summer day. It's quick and easy and every one will rave over it. It's a 10!

-Ingredients-

• 16 oz. package frozen corn - thawed 
• 2 small cans (2-2.25 oz.) sliced black olives
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil (I use olive oil)
• 3 tbsp. cider or white wine vinegar (I use cider)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (I use 1 lemon and 1 lime)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 4 medium ripe avacados
• Tortilla chips

-Directions-
In a large bowl, combine corn, olives, red pepper, and onion. In a small bowl, combine garlic, pil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well. Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, chop avacados and stir into salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.

Although the recipe calls to refrigerate overnight, I have made it and served it immediately and it is just as delicious! 

Enjoy!

ZARA COMBINATION HIGH HEEL SANDAL

These amazing Zara Combination High Heel Sandals from the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection are my newest shoe addition. They come in black, coral and blue, but I opted for the combination coral and nude to add a punch of color. I love the bright color with the shiny gold heel. With a 4.17 inch heel, this style can be worn with almost anything - dressed up with a dress or skirt, or dressed down with denim. For less than $50, these shoes were a must-have for me in the spring/summer season.

PAUL MITCHELL TEA TREE SPECIAL SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Ordinary shampoos need not apply! I am obsessed with this shampoo and conditioner duo. Made with tea tree oil, peppermint and lavendar, these products leave my hair smelling great! It rids hair of impurities and invigorates your scalp with a refreshing tingling feeling. It really feels like a breath of fresh air! The conditioner makes my hair so soft, smooth and helps to renew my worn out ends. It's a color-safe formula which is great for my color treated hair, and works for all hair types. It's been voted "Best Shampoo" and "Best Conditioner" by totalbeauty.com, InStyle, and in Beauty Launchpad's Readers Choice Awards. You can find this pair at any salon or Trade Secret store. Grab your own duo here.

Try the matching body bar for the same tingling clean feeling all over your skin! It feels amazing and helps wake you up!

DAVINES No.14 SEA SALT PRIMER FOR WIZARDS

Summer is right around the corner, which means beachy waves is my go-to hairstyle. Everyone wants to know how to achieve this look, but this product helps me do it. Davines No.14 Sea Salt Primer gives texture and volume for a casual, untamed look. It is made with marine sea salt and provides a dry, matte effect with full body that you typically get after a day spent at the beach. You can actually feel a delicate grainy texture on your hands. It provides some hold and control, so try swapping it with your hairspray. Apply to damp or dry hair, then work your locks to enhance your own natural wave and design your desired effect. Get the beachy waves without the sandy mess!

My hairdresser recently introduced me to this product and this product line. These products are used on the infamous locks of Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, and - yes, Justin Beiber. The great thing about Davines is that they are family owned company founded in Italy in a research laboratory. These products can be up to 99% all natural with ingredients like apricot oil, avacado oil, cucumber, carrot, grapefruit and spinach extract - it's like feeding a salad to your hair! They make products scientifically engineered to work and they do it all while being extremely environmentally friendly. They use renewable energy to make zero impact products in eco-packaging. Sustainability is beautiful!

In salons, this primer can go for about $23.00, but you can also find it here. Remember: splurging a bit on quality hair products is not a bad idea, especially for longer locks. Long hair is actually dead hair, so treat it well by using quality products to have your hair feeling and looking as healthy as possible.

Check out the Davines website for more information on their sustainable company, and find products right for you.

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