Catching your seven year old humming a song while brushing his teeth – now that must be an ear worm! And Jack Forman’s newest album has plenty of them!
My kids and I have been listening to the fun songs since we received the early release album “Songs from the Monkey House”. We love the songs so much, they are on repeat in the car and the house.
Some of our favorites include “Yodeling Yoda” and the catchy “Watermelon” song that sticks in my head every time and I don’t mind it a bit! And of course, all the cheese songs are just as hilarious as they are perfect to dance and rock out to.
If you are not familiar with Jack Forman, or the local Recess Monkeys, it is time you get to know them!
Jack Forman, well known to thousands of kids around the country as host of the daily “Live from the Monkey House” call-in show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and as lead singer of the GRAMMY nominated Seattle band Recess Monkey, released his first solo album, Songs from the Monkey House, exclusively to stream on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music, as well as for physical and digital purchase on Amazon Music.
Jack likes to say that he is “at least 75 percent coffee,” and his high-energy hijinks are on display with these 12 new original songs. From “Watermelon” to “Yodeling Yoda,” “Candy Tour” to “Sportball Anthem,” the songs reflect Jack’s offbeat humor and eclectic musical tastes. These are not just songs for babies; families with older kids ages five and up will find worlds of fun and memorable melodies with Songs from the Monkey House.
Indeed, all of these self-produced songs are directly inspired by strange conversations with real kids.You’ll get a sense of Jack’s lyrical genius and unusual sensibilities in songs like “A Little Cheese,” “I Lost My Lunch,” and even the relentlessly bouncy track, “No Name.”
Jack played every instrument, wrote and sang every word, and drank a whole lot of coffee in the months it took to turn kids’ ideas into a reality.
A longtime elementary school teacher, Jack is trained in the art of listening to kid-driven ideas. On his radio show and in concert, Jack is just as likely to set youngsters up for the punch line as to take one of his own. Either way, there’s a pretty high likelihood of someone squirting milk out of their nose.
Jack shines in the firmament of family music makers today. He has produced 13 albums with his acclaimed band, Recess Monkey (including the GRAMMY nominated Amazon Original album, Novelties); played at least 1,000 highly-caffeinated shows for kids and their handlers; and has hosted his own nationally broadcast live daily call-in show on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live for the past five years.
Share some fun music made in Seattle with your family today and order Jack Forman’s album here (included in your Amazon prime membership)
It’s that time again! Nordstrom has its half-yearly sale and everyone’s favorite department store is guaranteed to be a mad house. Thank goodness for online shopping!
The first thing I usually shop for during the sale are shoes, of course. Big surprise. Now is the best time to snap up those mules you were eyeing and the designer sandals you just could not get yourself to buy for full price.
I did the legwork for you and linked all the best deals below, so you don’t have to.
Happy Shopping!
There are so many fun fashion trends this spring and summer season that it can get overwhelming. Which ones will look best on me? Which trends should I avoid? And then the age-old dilemma: What might look great on a size 0 model in magazines might not translate as well into our every day lives and onto our “real” bodies.
But no worries – I tested the top dress trends and am sharing my must-have dresses of this spring and summer season with you. All dresses in this series are approved for style and wearability – may it be a special occasion or just a trip to the grocery store. Looking trendy this season is a cinch with these gorgeous dresses.
Spring/Summer Fashion Trend No. 1 : Ruffles and Flounces
This trend is hands down my favorite this fashion season as it allows us to be feminine and flirty at the same time. Everywhere you look you can find ruffles attached to almost any clothing item right now, ruffled tops, dresses, and even bottoms.
Ruffles and flounces are such a fun addition to your wardrobe because they add a touch of airiness and playfulness to any outfit, if used in moderation. However, it is easy to go overboard with this trend and ending up looking like a Flamenco dancer – not a good look unless you have the dance skills to back it. Hence, it is crucial to keep the rest of the outfit sleek and simple, and let the ruffled piece be the showstopper. Another fun way of wearing this trend is with menswear-inspired pieces, such as a pinstripe blazer. Mixing feminine style with a masculine touch creates an interesting balance for an outfit.
The dress I chose from StyleWe is a great example how a little flounce can go a long way. The double layered bell sleeves and the slightly ruffled hem add movement and just the right amount of femininity to the dress. I also enjoy the material as it is light enough to move with every step, which makes it oh so fun to wear and twirl in.
Spring/Summer Fashion Trend No. 2 : Florals from head to toe
Another spring trend is the dress pattern – florals for spring! Groundbreaking, I know. But why reinvent the wheel? Florals are a classic staple and the black background provides a sophisticated chicness to the otherwise playful pattern.
While the dress makes a statement, the accessories are kept to a minimum by adding open-toe booties and a glam pair of tassel earrings to the outfit.
I hope the ruffles and flounce trend will stick around for a while, as it is truly one of the most fun fashion trends to follow! And stay tuned for the next fashion trends coming up in a future post!
Shop this post:
Shop the Ruffle and Floral Trend:
A huge thank you to Shaun Turley Photography and Victoria West Photography.
DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by StyleWe, but THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.
I am currently obsessed with everything from the Gucci Marmont collection – any color and style! Also high on my wishlist is a great pair of cropped jeans with frayed hem!
As my previous posts suggest, I am quite the bargain shopper and hate spending money on clothing without versatility or multiple uses. Therefore, I remember cringingly buying maternity clothes when I was pregnant with my son seven years ago. Knowing that my investment will be short lived before I stash the outfits far, far away, I didn’t see the use in purchasing many maternity clothes.
Not much has changed the second time around. Except a couple of maternity jeans and TWO maternity tops, I managed to utilize my existing wardrobe for pregnancy outfits. I also purchased new items, but instead of shopping for maternity clothes, I stuck to items that I can wear throughout my pregnancy and afterwards, as well.
Partnering up with Seattle Goodwill, I want to show how you can avoid buying a whole new maternity wardrobe by staying in your regular clothing much longer than you would expect. If you ask me, it makes perfect sense to shop at a thrift/consignment shop, or even better at Goodwill, for maternity clothing. Since the items are almost brand new because they were worn for only a few months, expecting moms can take advantage of the low prices and save their money for the many baby expenses.
Here are some tips on how to turn your wardrobe into pregnancy-friendly outfits by stretching it through nine pregnancy months:
- Make stretchy fabrics your best friend! It may seem counterintuitive, but dressing your preggo body in close-fitting clothes is actually flattering. Don’t make the mistake of buying clothes two sizes up because the rest of your body stays (mostly) the same after giving birth and your arms won’t grow, I promise. Instead stick with bodycon and knit dresses that show off your baby bump in all its glory and give you room to grow. There will come a point during every pregnancy when it becomes impossible to camouflage it anyway, so why not make it the focal point?
- Get yourself a pant extender! It’s a couple of bucks well spent, when you can literally stretch your favorite jeans and pants; at least for a few months. The only thing to consider is to wear long, preferably flowy tops to make sure you don’t flash anyone due to the open zipper.
- Speaking of flowy tops…and long sweaters and tunics. Buy them, wear them, cherish them! They will become your go-to pieces to change up your maternity style from casual to dressy and everything in between.
- Accessorize your outfits! Who said pregnant women can’t have fun with fashion trends? I am totally obsessed with the current velvet trend and hunted a pair of merlot velvet booties down that are not only fashionable, but also comfortable. Mamas, we can have it all! Just make sure your booties or shoes have a stacked, lower heel for comfort and no trend is safe!
- Throw on a leather jacket, faux or genuine, to pull your outfit together and give it more edge. Don’t mind the fact that you can’t zip it up. Jackets have become purely decorative at this point. Long vests are a chic alternative to leather jackets, and can be even more flattering for pregnant curves.
And here are a few wardrobe staples that you simply must get from the maternity department. For an inexpensive alternative, check out Goodwill’s maternity section for some amazing finds:
– black tights/pantyhose are lifesavers for hiding all those pesky spider and varicose veins pregnant women are “blessed” with
– one or two great pair of jeans that you will live in. Now is the time to splurge, if you feel like it! You can’t put a value on a great fitting pair of maternity pants that don’t slide off, don’t cut your belly off, and look amazing on you. It might take some time to find the perfect pair, but when you do, life will become much better.
– maternity leggings to wear with your plethora of non-maternity long tops and sweaters
Enjoy this special time, ladies, and have fun dressing your baby bumps!!!
||Black knit dress: Calvin Klein c/o Seattle Goodwill | Tan peplum faux leather jacket: similar | Burgundy velvet booties: Steve Madden Cynthia Velvet Booties | Yellow cross-body bag: c/o Coach 1941 Dinky Crossbody in Glovetanned Leather | Black tights: H&M Mama 2-Pack Tights 40 Denier | Blue velvet dress: c/o Seattle Goodwill | Silver neck collar: c\o Seattle Goodwill | Plaid blouse: Plaid Pintuck Long Sleeve Shirt | Black moto faux leather jacket: similar | Black booties: H&M Ankle Boots ||
Thank you to VICTORIA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY and SHAUN TURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CAPTURING THESE PHOTOGRAPHS.
DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by Seattle Goodwill, but THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.
At the Style Suite in the Westfield Southcenter mall
The Who What Wear Style Boss event at Westfield Southcenter mall
As I mentioned a little while back, I had the privilege of being a panelist at the latest Style Boss event held at the Style Suite in the Westfield Southcenter mall. After showcasing boss style and street wear during the first two events, the last installment of the series was all about how to get stylish in 15 minutes or less.
Being busy working moms ourselves, Brenda of From Me, With Love Designs , Sasha of MintedMethod and I are used to having only little time to get ourselves ready to head out the door. Thankfully, even short on time everybody can be pulled together, while looking and feeling their best with some easy tips and tricks. My co-panelists and I had some great style secrets to spill on how to look fabulous fast, and I will share them with you, of course.
Putting the finishing touches on my gorgeous model’s outfit
How to look fab in 15:
- Stick to versatile, staple items – This striped blouse is a versatility genius! Wear it with jeans and flats to drop off your kids at school, throw a blazer over for a business meeting, and wear it to dinner with a pencil skirt and high heels – a definite must piece. By the way, this Portofino blouse comes in so many patterns and colors, you are sure to find one you love. Also, top off the blouse with this sleeveless blazer, while taking it to the next fashion level.
- Mix and match neutrals – Nobody has time for perfect color matching in the morning! Bypass the dilemma by sticking to a neutral wardrobe palette. And yes, jeans, navy, beige, and nudes are considered neutrals as well. You are going to love wearing this perfect pair of girlfriend jeans with anything and everything!
- Layer a great jacket on top – I picked this black vegan leather jacket for my model’s outfit because everyone needs one in their closet. It goes with everything and never goes out of style. I love this Express one particularly because it can be worn zipped up for a sporty look, or open for a more feminine feel. Thankfully, there are so many outerwear options right now, .. short or long vest, kimono, jean jacket, military jacket/vest, bomber jacket…find a jacket that perfectly suits your style!
- Accessorize! This is the fun part where we can get creative and truly show off our personality. May it be a breathtaking pair of heels, or a showstopping statement necklace, don’t be afraid to play with textures and colors. I consider accessories the cherry on top and the difference between a good and a fabulous outfit! Extra tip: Keep a favorite statement necklace in the car that you can throw on in a hurry!
A chic quilted chain strap shoulder bag is the perfect companion
Your legs will look a mile long in a pair of high heeled sandals
The gold statement necklace pulls this outfit perfectly together
- Plan your outfit the evening before and try everything on, including accessories. What might seem like a great combination in theory, might not look as good in real life. Better to figure it out the night before, instead of scrambling for an alternative in the morning!
- And most importantly: Wear what you love, and confidence will show through and make you look fabulous!
A pretty kimono is a great versatile item to add to your wardrobe
My beautiful model Charlton in the outfit I styled
Now that you have an outfit picked out, you probably have about 5 minutes left for your make-up and hair. Before you throw your hair in a bun and run out of the door, let me tell you about the 5-minute face!
Everybody’s 5-minute face is different depending on what features are most important to you to highlight or cover up. However, using versatile skincare and make-up products is a smart idea for everybody.
Tiffany Lowry shows how to use versatile beauty products
For me this means, using a BB cream to even out my skin tone, while hydrating and protecting it from sun rays. I also can’t leave the house without at least one coat of mascara and brow gel because I have naturally light lashes and brows. As the last step of my 5 minute face, I like to sweep a light coat of blush on the apples of my cheeks, or even just the leftovers on my blush brush, and I am ready to face the day.
If I have 5 minutes more, I usually apply concealer and foundation, in order to achieve a more flawless complexion. Bronzer is another crucial step in my make-up routine to liven up my light skin tone. If you happen to have more time on your hands, contouring can make a huge difference! Additionally, I like to enhance my eyes with a warm brown eye shadow. The quickest way to apply it, is to use your bronzer as your eye shadow! The tone is perfect for a neutral eye and you don’t have to mess around with multiple palettes.
Here are the products I use for my 5 minute face:
- Dr. Jart Black Label Detox BB
- Milani Baked Powder Blush or Mac Powder Blush
- Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara or Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
- L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara or Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
If you have 5 more minutes:
- Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
- BareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil and Original Foundation
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer or Smashbox Bronze Lights
Tips for quick fabulous hair:
- Dry shampoo is your best friend because you can extend your blow dry for a few more days without washing. This one is a miracle for volume and texture, while this one is great all around and for your pocket book!
- Give hair bands and wraps a try for a quick new hair style- they come in all kinds of colors and shapes to match your personal style.
- Wash your hair in the evening and style it in the morning to save you some much needed time. Often times, I find my curls look even better the second day!
Tiffany Lowry demonstrates a quick head band style
Tiffany Lowry demonstrates a quick head band style
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you to get ready in the morning and look and feel fabulous as we all should!
Stay fab!
Thank you to Darcy Camden from Styled Seattle and Sydney Mintle from Gossip & Glamour for allowing me to be part of such a fantastic event and Vivian Hsu for your beautiful photography!
I am excited to tell you about this fun event that is celebrating women and showcasing personal style – a collaboration of Westfield Southcenter, My Style Suite and Gossip & Glamour ! A series of three events will take place between April 26th and May 24th featuring a panel discussion with local style bloggers and curated fashion advice – and the first event is tonight!
Every event will have its own focus with fashion presentations and style bloggers sharing their tips with you. And I am very honored that I was chosen to be a panelist for the Fab in 15 Style Boss Series!!! To make things even better, I have a promo code for you that takes $5 off your ticket price: VIP
Get your tickets here
I can’t wait to share my tips with you on how to look and feel great when you are short on time! We will learn how to make the most of our time when getting ready and will explore must-haves for our closets and bathroom vanities.
Also, a portion of each event’s proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success Seattle to help women reach economic empowerment through a working wardrobe. All events will take place at My Style Suite at Westfield Southcenter located on level one in between Nordstrom and Macys. (Please note: All events are 21+)
And it would not be a fashion event without LIGHT BITES, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS, SWAG BAGS & MORE!!!
Can’t wait to see you there!
xoxo,
Olga
Style Boss – April 26th from 6-8pm
Learn insider beauty and fashion secrets to help you get ahead in the workplace. Featured influencers will participate in a fashion presentation and share their best tips for creating a stylish, yet work-appropriate wardrobe. Stylist Darcy Camden of My Style Suite will moderate the panel discussion and explore must-have pieces every Style Boss should own. This is a benefit event for Dress for Success Seattle. Get Tickets here
Street Style – May 10th from 6-8pm
Explore street style through the eyes of our featured influencers and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes the capture the perfect shot. Guests will enjoy a street style runway show and panel discussion with featured bloggers moderated by stylist Darcy Camden. Get Tickets here
Fab in 15 – May 24th from 6-8pm
Are you short on time? Do you need to get out the door in 15-minutes or less? Join Darcy Camden of My Style Suite along with featured style bloggers from around the city for a fashion presentation showcasing style secrets on how to look fabulous fast including hair, make-up, beauty and fashion. We’ll show you easy ways to instantly pull together a perfectly polished look.
Think it is too late to do your Holiday shopping online and you will have to face the crowded malls to avoid being empty-handed on Christmas? Think again!
If you are a procrastinator like me, I have great news! I have compiled two gift guides with items that are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.
A little trick to save you even more time is to enter the shipping address of the lucky ones who will receive your gift. A lot of items already come beautifully packaged, such as Stella & Dot, or companies offer wrapping as an add-on to your order.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and successful last-minute shopping!
- Brisk Velvet Ankle Boots by Steve Madden in Burgundy; $99 with free second-day shipping through December 20th
- Waverly Petite Black perforated Crossbody bag by Stella¨ $98 with standard shipping through December 20th
- Susan Grace Skincare from $10 to $94 with free shipping through December 23rd with coupon code FREE
- Shopping Buddy Session with a Styled Seattle stylist; $75/hour gift certificate with free shipping through December 24th
- Silver Chain Engravable Bar Necklace by Stella¨ $59 with standard shipping through December 20th
- Kathmandu Snow Boots by Northside; $62.61 with free one-day shipping with Amazon Prime through December 23rd
- Leather Cuff Addison by Stella¨ $34 with standard shipping through December 20th
- Lace Bomber Jacket by Chloe&Katie; $29.40 (was $49) at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
- Sway by Silver Linings Games; $30 with standard shipping
- Basic Black Choker by Kitsch Jewelry; $8 at Something Silver with free 2-day shipping for orders over $99 placed before 2 pm on December 21st; also 20% OFF EVERYTHING with code HOLIDAY20
- Fair Isle Poncho by Modena; $29.98 (was $50) at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
- Cover Your Assets by Grandpa Beck’s Games; $12.99 with free one-day shipping with Amazon Prime through December 23rd
- “The Expert” Lip color in Marzie by Kevyn Aucoin; $35 at Nordstrom with free standard shipping through December 22nd
- Gold Geometric Stud Earrings 3-Pack Aurora by Stella&Dot (also available in silver); $29 with standard shipping through December 20th
‘Tis the season to start your Holiday shopping! With Black Friday and crowded malls in our near future, what better way to escape all the hustle and bustle than by shopping locally in a relaxed and stylish space? Sounds perfect!
Join me for the Holiday Pop-Up Shop featuring JJ Caprices Jewelry and Susan Grace Skincare on Saturday, November 26 from 11 am to 5 pm, which also happens to be Small Business Saturday.
Here is why you can’t miss this Pop-Up event:
- 20% off discount on all purchases of Susan Grace Skincare and JJ Caprices Jewelry
- complimentary 3-minute GLOW & GO facials by Susan Grace
- early-access to holiday gift sets
- Special guests include jet-setter Amanda Zurita and yours truly to tell you my first-hand experience with the amazing all-natural Susan Grace Skincare line and facials
- a gorgeous social media lounge to recharge in the heart of downtown Seattle
- product giveaways, and so much more ( I hear that Santa Claus might get comfy right next to the Pop-Up Shop 🙂
RSVP here for a chance to win fabulous raffle prizes and beauty swag!
I am looking forward to celebrating this Holiday season with so many of you and can’t wait for next Saturday’s Pop-Up to start our shopping in style!
xoxo,
Olga