Project JDF.

February 5, 2014Beauty, FashionNavigate with StyleComment

I've spent the last year trying to figure out how to be a stay at home, freelance writing mother. It's been quite challenging at times but I've really enjoyed spending this precious first year with my second son rather than jumping right back into a full time+ job as I did after my first.

In 2008, I went back to work after the standard three month maternity leave. I went to an office everyday, to an exciting job in the corporate office of a high end salon/spa/boutique company in Boston. While I know I didn't look ultra stylish every single day, I was forced by social norms to shower regularly, put on makeup, get dressed and wear cool, big girl shoes. This time, I've barely put on makeup, I still slip on maternity leggings from time to time and have a very sorry collection of unsupportive nursing bras. I can't even go into what's happening with my hair.

This last year has been tricky. I write for various publications, including this little blog, during nap times and in the evening after the boys are asleep. Why should I shower when I'm alternating between playing on the nursery floor and sitting at my computer? I occasionally go days without actually seeing or speaking to another adult other than my husband (poor guy).

I do manage to get some girl time in with my friends, sometimes even without kids, which is when I at least attempt to swipe on concealer and lip gloss. But I'm wearing the same old shit: threadbare leggings, chunky cardigans, tanks and tees festooned with pureed pears and oatmeal.

I've misplaced my spark. It's around here somewhere but I've been too tired to look for it. As my second son approaches his first birthday, I'm slowly emerging from the shadows. It's time to make an effort again. I need to clean out my closet, rework my makeup drawer and kick up my fitness plan. Today is Day 1 of Project JDF.

The Polar Vortex & Me

January 11, 2014Fun!Navigate with Style3 Comments

When the snow started late last Saturday, I was thrilled at the prospect of being snowed in with my little family. I stocked up on groceries and wine, arranged craft projects and looked forward to days on end in pajamas watching movies. Sunday and Monday (supposed to be the first day back to school) were exactly what I'd had in mind. We painted wooden boats, I completed a piece of "art" for the dining room and tried multiple recipe pins from my overstuffed Pinterest account - many of which were promptly unpinned after they turned out to be shite.

On Tuesday, despite the icy and uncleared roads in our city, my husband had to go back to his office while schools remained closed. I typically spend lots of time at home with my boys but being holed up was starting to take its toll. I needed a shower, we'd watched way too much TV and my wine supply had run dry. I put the babe down for his nap and attempted to get some work done while the 5 year old watched his 73rd episode of Ninjago. The babe woke up bawling just 30 minutes later and when I went to pluck him from the crib to soothe him, he looked more like Raging Bull than the cutest 9 month old on the planet (well, he is) thanks to a still unidentified allergic reaction. The emergency trip to our doctor was followed by a Target run for his prescription which turned out to be just the thing we needed. We had the store to ourselves, found fun Yo Gabba Gabba footie pajamas for the 5 year old on clearance, bought more wine and groceries and sat down for some coffee at Starbucks. It was almost as restorative as a trip to Tahiti might be.

Schools were closed Wednesday and late that afternoon, word spread Thursday classes would be cancelled as well. That's approximately the moment I snapped. My patience had worn thin and my husband could tell I needed a break from the tone of my texts. He suggested I ask some fellow mothers (also on the verge of a breakdown) out for a drink. Genius! Three of us mums flew our coops for a few glasses of wine and greasy food. It was the perfect antidote to 4 straight days on lockdown with a 5th day looming.

When I woke up on Thursday, I felt like a new woman. But we needed to look at fresh faces. I took my boys to my brother's house where my boys could play with their cousins and I could hang with my sister in law. Later, while the older kids made a snow fort and tunnel, I went on another Target run (for wine...and other things) with the babe.

Also on this day, I learned a friend who had been battling an aggressive and quickly spreading cancer had passed away. She was a mother of three young boys whose beautiful exterior matched her inner being. Her Facebook posts were incredibly touching these past few months and her grace and strength inspiring. My struggles from the previous few days were certainly put into perspective. I am thankful to be alive and healthy and present for my family. My hope is that I can access this gratitude during future trying, yet trivial, moments - of which I'm sure there will be many.

I filled Friday with errands and a trip to our fantastic science museum for kids followed by an extended family lunch. I ended the day by getting in a much needed workout then cuddling up with the 5 year old and my husband to watch Hugo (I fell asleep quickly).

Today is Saturday and I'm looking forward to a quiet, normal weekend while the dreary rain washes away the 10+ inches of snow on the ground. I'm fairly certain school will be in session on Monday. It better be.

The 5 year old made a paper ele.

The Fox Family fleet of Tall Ships.

My "art" for my ocean/beach themed dining room.

Sunday fun in the snow.

Homemade pretzels with grainy mustard. Yum!

My sweet little Raging Bull...

Yay, more snow!

Serious astronaut time at Science Central.

The January List

January 3, 2014Navigate with Style2 Comments

This first list of 2014 has turned out to be more like my {growing} list of resolutions.

* Have more patience with my sweet boys.

* Become more financially and physically fit. These are extremely important to me and the health of my family. If I do nothing else, I need to make improvements in these areas.

* Do more in the kitchen. I want to rely less and less on processed foods and try out more of the recipes I've pinned.

* Get back to more eco personal care products --- I've strayed a tad.

* Learn how to work more efficiently. I'm a freelancing work from home mum {I like to pretend I'm British} of two small boys...it's a challenge. I'm open to tips.

* Schedule regular beauty maintenance to feel more pulled together. This is a bit of a stretch because even showering on a regular basis tends to be difficult. I don't feel the need to always have a mani/pedi but I WOULD REALLY LOVE more regular massages and/or acupuncture.

* Drink more water. Getting 8 glasses in per day might be the most difficult item on this list!

"Oh, shit!" Last minute gift ideas...

December 24, 2013Navigate with StyleComment

If you're a total knob and haven't finished your holiday shopping by now, this quick list just might be your saving grace. You're welcome. Now get to the closest drugstore ASAP!

Add a candle, bath salts and body lotion. But not a $2 bottle of Suave. No offense, Suave.

* Create a DIY spa basket of various loofas (loofi?), an eye shade, candle, body lotion, etc... Remove the cheap packaging and arrange in a nice box with pretty tissue for a more luxurious vibe.

* Buy the latest issue of a cool magazine then fill out and mail in one of the 73 subscription cards for your giftee. It certainly buys you some time. Go for an off beat or hard to find title. An alternative to this is to buy every single gossip rag then pair them with chocolate covered cherries and a bottle of wine.

What kid (or adult male) wouldn't love a can of Flarp?

* Put together an embarrassing load of candy bars, lollypops, gummy worms, licorice strings, gum and a few cheapie novelty toys in a brightly colored plastic bin for the small people on your list. Their parents will hate you but the kids will think you're the shit.

* For more practical people, buy them a year's supply of their favorite or most used product. This one is a sleeper hit. It will seem strange day of but your genius will unfold throughout the year. My grandmother loves her Sensodyne tootpaste and would be tickled pink with this prezzie.

Pre-loaded gift bags take ALL the effort out of wrapping...whew!

* Drugstores have an insane amount of gift card options - there is literally something for everyone. But be a little creative. Make a mix CD of songs that remind you of the recipient and give with an iTunes card. Use your imagination, I can't do it all for you.

Merry Christmas, you lazy bastard.

The December List

December 16, 2013Navigate with Style2 Comments

Well, it seems I can't get these posts up at the beginning of the month. Regardless, here it is. I know you've been waiting with bated breath.

* We've just put up our first live tannenbaum at Chez Fox and the scent is amazing and sooo festive. To keep the fresh scent of pine flowing around the house, I'm using Mrs. Meyer's holiday collection in Iowa Pine to clean surfaces and hands. That Mrs. Meyer's is kind of killing it this season.

My three Fox Boys in front of steam locomotive No. 765

* We had a family photo sesh in front of a steam engine we're all in love with. Steam locomotive No. 765 has been central to our relocation experience and we couldn't ask for a better backdrop for our family's annual pic.

* If you know me at all, you know I love cranial accessories. Headbands, bows, bands, ribbons and poufs are some of my fav-o-rite adornments. Here's a quick little festive DIY for yo ass. Use a basic hair clip or bobby pin to affix a classic gift wrapping bow to your 'do. Real fabric ribbon works and looks better than cheap satin ribbon. It's silly and fun - just the way I like it.

* I've brought my Chanel shield sunnies out of retirement. While they're only from the early aughts, they really make me think of skiing in the 1980's. And I'm totally into that vibe right now. I for realz just bought a pair of puffy moon boots.

* I finally read Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (in less than 24 hours) so I'm now reading her first novel, This One Is Mine. The best line so far (I'm not done yet) perfectly captures my life right now: These days, there were two kinds of Rice Krispies, those waiting to be stepped on and those that already had been. Change out Rice Krispies for Cheerios and that's Chez Fox in a nutshell. Which leads me to the point of this last bullet: I am doing my best to live in the now (I know that sounds cliche -- I cringed when I wrote it). A few weeks ago, my husb and I were debating between two couches. One offered tons of space that would fit all four of us at once but was a tad plain. The other was smaller but looked really f^ck!ng cool. It was a classic form vs. function conundrum. We typically opt for form, thinking of the long term. But this time, function won and it made me so happy. These days of raising babies will be over before I know it. I want maximum snuggle time while I can get it and I want the couch that will provide that for us, right now, in this moment. My really f^ck!ng cool couch can wait until my house is free of crushed Cheerio's.

The November List

November 12, 2013Navigate with StyleComment

Shit, it's November already. Thanksgiving is next week for crying out loud. Here's what's on my radar this month:

* I shop year round for my holiday gift list. My presents tend to be more thoughtful when I shop (or at least collect ideas) all year rather than choosing from whatever I can find the few days before. Plus, the money spent is spread over the year rather than in a big lump. I am hyper organized thanks to a spreadsheet I created years ago, each year with its own tab so I can see what I gave friends and family for Foxmases past. Here's a basic spreadsheet for you to customize.

I'm wiping down every surface of my house with Mrs. Meyer's cranberry countertop spray.

* Just as some people go crazy for pumpkin everything in October, I go gaga for all things cranberry in November. The New Englander in me is on a quest to incorporate the tart berry in more ways each year. My latest obsession: a cranberry quinoa salad that's great for lunch or as a simple and speedy dinner. Prepare your fave quinoa, mix in steamed mukimame, dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese. Squeeze half a lemon, drizzle olive oil and grind fresh sea salt and pepper to taste. It's healthy, filling and looks bright and pretty.

* I'm on a DIY kick. My latest project is a Thanksgiving garland with a French twist to hang from my mantle. Using scallop edged cards from Paper Source, Martha Stewart letter stickers, wooden clothespins and a brown satin ribbon, my merci garland will be a festive but unique twist on traditional decor.

* Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is my go to lip color right now. I've been taking a break from everything but clear lip balm - because I'm constantly kissing my boys - but when I feel like adding a punch of color, this is it.

* I'm super excited one of my fav-o-rite magazines is BACK! I was so bummed when domino folded a few years ago. I saved all my old issues, clipped a ton of content from their website to my Evernote account and bought the hardcover book. Imagine how thrilled I was to see it back on the rack...and just in time for the holidays. The new twist? Many featured items can be purchased via their e-commerce shop. It's what I'd call synergy. Side note: the word synergy makes me dream of Jem and the Holograms. Every. Damn. Time.

Just a smidge of DIY...

November 5, 2013Fun!Navigate with Style2 Comments

We've been getting down with a bit of DIY at Chez Fox lately. Here's what we've been up to:

* We bought a microfiber couch a few years ago and were told that it would be so easy to keep clean. If your a microfiber couch owner, I'd guess you rolled your eyes when you read that last sentence. After 5 years with a rambunctious and messy little boy, our couch was disgusting. We tried microfiber cleaning cloths and dry sponges but nothing worked. In a last ditch effort before tossing it, we tried this tip I found via Pinterest using rubbing alcohol. I'm so f^@&ing thrilled to report it worked marvelously!!

* I've taken up cross-stitch. I'm not actually sure what possessed me but I'm having a ton of fun teaching myself and making up my own patterns. Here's a peek at my first attempt. Clearly, I have a fondness for the F-bomb. Friends and family should be cringing at the thought of what they might be getting from me for Foxmas this year.

* Something came over me this morning and I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from scratch. What?! I'm not great at baking so this is a major triumph for me. BONUS: they're actually edible.

collab crazy...

October 14, 2013Fashion, BeautyNavigate with Style2 Comments

I simply can't get enough of the collaboration movement the fashion industry has so enthusiastically embraced. Maybe it's because I live in the middle of the country where availability of some major brands is a tad limited. Maybe it's because I don't fall into the same tax bracket of the high end designer clientele. Let's be honest - it's both.

Big name designer collaborations are great for all parties. The designer gets more mainstream exposure, the mass retailer gets to align with a luxury brand and the consumer gets the high dollar look for less. Win-win-win.

I'm addicted to Target (shocking, I know). That bullseye just draws me right in with their regularly scheduled, amazing collabs. But lately another store has been KILLING IT in the collaboration department: JCPenney. Sephora, Martha Stewart, Joe Fresh, Jonathan Adler, giggleBABY, MNG by Mango, Nicole by Nicole Miller, Olsenboye, Marchesa, Betsey Johnson and more (more!) have joined forces with the retailer over the last few seasons. The stores have also been given a huge makeover. The housewares department of my local JCP is gleaming white and super modern and I wish I could just move in.

These wonderful changes occurred under the supervision of former CEO Ron Johnson. It's a shame he was ousted but I hope those now in charge can keep his vision going because I'm having lots of fun shopping in a store I hadn't set foot in for...decades? I mean, I'm sure I had been in a JCP at least once during my childhood but I just can't recall the experience.

Visit your local JCP and prepare to be dazzled.

The October List

October 1, 2013Beauty, Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

This month's to do's (it involves a lot of pumpkins)...

* Whip up a pumpkin body scrub by mixing about 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice and a few shakes of ground cinnamon. Adjust the amount of oil and sugar until you achieve the desired consistency. I like it rough so I use less oil.

* Visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a favorite activity of the season. To find a pumpkin patch in your state click here. For apples, click here. I can't wait to take my family to the Lincoln Ridge Pumpkin & Mum Festival in Ohio.

* Need more pumpkin in your life? Follow Pumpkinita on Instagram. She posts super creative and mouthwatering ideas.

* How did we survive without Pinterest? Falling for Fall, their latest seasonal board, highlights warm, cozy and inviting recipes and decor ideas.

My go-to ensemble for the season. The beanie hides the disaster that is my hair.

* I like to dress in uniforms - it makes getting out the door each morning much easier. The blueprint for my Fall dressing relies on light layers in neutrals with a few pops of green. A light scarf keeps me cozy when it's crisp or stashes easily in my handbag when the sun is shining. Cool stud earrings (that tiny and slobbery hands can't pull on) and flat soled boots pull the look together.

So, how long until October is just renamed Pumpkin Spice?

Beauty Sleep

September 18, 2013BeautyNavigate with StyleComment

When we sleep, our body naturally rejuvenates itself. Help it along with a few tricks:

* Help your skin cells turnover since they're naturally doing it anyway while you sleep. After cleansing your face, slather on a serum or cream with ingredients meant to renew like vitamins A and K and alpha hydroxy acids. Try REN's Resurfacing AHA Concentrate or Clinique's Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer.

* Eyes tend to give us away so make sure to lightly pat an anti-aging cream onto that delicate skin before bed. If your eyes are a little red in the AM, a few tiny drops of Rohto Cooling eye drops will clear them up and make your peepers feel refreshed.

* Try to sleep on your back to wake up without crease lines and to avoid premature lines and wrinkles. A pillow underneath your knees as well as an extra one under your head can make this more comfortable.

* In the evening, swap your regular toothpaste with Crest Vivid White Night. The formula coats teeth and loosens stains while you sleep so they can be brushed away in the morning. Use nightly for at least two weeks to see a visible difference.

* Cover your hair with a satin scarf or rest your pretty head on a satin pillow case to reduce frizz causing friction for your locks. Branché Beauty Sleep makes lovely satin pillow cases and sleep masks.

* Give your hair a moisture boost by sleeping in a deep conditioning mask (or any rich conditioner will do). Wrap hair in a turban or gather hair into a topknot and put a towel over your pillowcase to keep it from getting messy. Rinse out in your morning shower then style as usual.

* Get your zzz's. A good night's rest makes you look and feel better. It's scientific. Duh...

Best of the NYFW Spring 2014 Trends

September 16, 2013Navigate with StyleComment

I cover New York Fashion Week (via Internet) for a client, this here blog and my personal interest. I try to absorb as much coverage as humanly possible and while I don't see it all, I make it my business to understand the overall, emerging trends for the coming season. Here are my favorites from last week:

* Loose and fluid silhouettes were dominant but softly tailored instead of sloppy. Structured shoulders and many mid length skirts, dresses and pants kept looks from being too voluminous (one of the exceptions coming from Victoria Beckham). Cynthia Rowley presented a youthful collection that demonstrated a good mix of both.

* It became clear early on that many designers were opting for neutral color palettes with just a smattering of vibrant hues. I like to look at COLOR, even if I don't always dress that way, so I got a little bored with all the black and white. Thankfully, the playful looks from Rebecca Minkoff and the nautical inspired collection from Catherine Malandrino were refreshing and fun.

* The Sporty look is in for next spring. With tennis skirts from Alexander Wang, 70's style satin track jackets and matching shorts from Marc by Marc Jacobs, a ton of luxurious sweatshirts across the board and J. Crew's varsity striped tees, stylish comfort is the name of the game.

* Remember when I said I had become bored with the neutrals? Michael Kors made me forget all that. His collection was essentially my perfect closet and chock full of soft greys, peanut colored leather accessories, gauzy whites, chocolate and khaki. He did add color in the way of navy and lawn green floral prints for dresses, skirts and high waisted bathing suits (Great for moms, if you know what I mean. And if you don't, piss off).

* Makeup and hair were natural and beautiful -- not a lot of crazy here. Rose pink lips, natural looking bronzer, neutral manicures and loose hair worn down or in a soft, casual updo with lots of natural texture was the direction - such great news for my paired down approach to beauty. One new trend I did enjoy was the inky blue liner that extended past the outer and inner corners below the eye at Marc Jacobs. Very cool and something I'll definitely try for my next night out.

What was your favorite look, trend or memorable moment from New York Fashion Week Spring 2014? Tweet me @navigatewstyle

The September List

September 6, 2013Beauty, FashionNavigate with StyleComment

This month's to-do's...

* Swap your bright or beachy tote for a structured bag or day clutch in a rich fall hue like navy or mustard. Perhaps the 3.1 Philip Lim collection for Target has what you seek.

* Summer wreaks havoc on skin and hair. Get funky with exfoliation (manual or chemical - I dig both) to fight all that pesky sun damage. Deep condition tresses with a nourishing mask. Repeat this process weekly for the rest. of. your. life.

An old fave. Bold look yet so lightweight thanks to thin leather backing. No droopy ears for me.

* Bracelets and necklaces have reigned supreme the last few seasons so it's time for your earrings to have a moment. Bring yours out of hiding or pick up a new statement pair to switch things up. This lovely pair is temporarily part of my "Mumma Off Duty" collection - pieces I can only wear when my kids are being monitored by another adult. Babies are quite grabby...and slobbery.

* Remove the last dregs of neon nail polish and go for a ladylike lacquer in nudes and chocolates. Embellish a nail or two with metallic foil or tiny studs.

* Embrace the Back to School spirit, even if you won't be cracking a textbook this year. A new notebook, tablet stylus or lunch bag will surely make you more productive at work.

* Follow New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 trends via Pinterest and the live show feeds for a week long punch in the face of high style.

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...

June 10, 2013Navigate with StyleComment

I haven't abandoned ship but boy #2 has been so much fun (and tiring) that I decided to really embrace my maternity leave. During my absence, I've had some new ideas for this little space. Changes are afoot...stay tuned!

xx JDF

that's all she wrote...

March 2, 2013Fun!Navigate with Style2 Comments

...for now! The nursery is done and we're totally moved in to our new home (not fully settled, but that's another story). I'm in the home stretch so I'm taking a smidge of a break to enjoy these last few days with my family and catch a few naps before boy #2 arrives!

Ciao, baby!

paint chip palettes...

March 1, 2013Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

When I'm feeling uninspired, I look for cues from various sources. Sometimes I find myself in the paint aisle, browsing the sample cards of Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Ralph Lauren. These cards often give me some ideas to play around with which also helps me to imagine new ways to introduce various hues into my ensembles.

INSPIRATION: Tone on tone. Focus on textures to break up the monochromatic look and mix with neutral or metallic accessories for depth. Favorite tonal combos of mine are fuchsia with petal pink, burgundy with red or orange, violet with lilac or emerald with mint.

INSPIRATION: Complementary colors. While choosing paint for my living room, I gathered cards that featured color schemes for entire rooms. I walked away with paint cans for my house and a color plan for my Spring/Summer wardrobe.