Summer Weddings

J Crew wedding dress {1}
$225 - jcrew.com

Eliza J one shoulder cocktail dress {2}
$138 - nordstrom.com

BCBG Max Azria one shoulder cocktail dress {3}
$248 - nordstrom.com



This year we have two weddings to attend. The first is in Chicago in August and the second is in NYC in October. I am already busy planning my outfits for the August wedding! I thought it would be fun to have YOU, my readers, vote for my dress! Once you have picked the dress, I will give 3 choices for all of the other items- shoes, jewelry, purse, etc.  
So, let me tell you a little about this wedding. It is in August right outside of Chicago.  The ceremony is a  Catholic mass in the late afternoon. The reception is immediately following  at a Country Club.  So, there will be no outfit changes.  The bridesmaids will be wearing navy and the bride will be wearing, of course, white! Given these details....what do you think?  Please VOTE by COMMENTING to this post. #1 is the Blue #2 is the pink and #3 is the purple.  I can't wait to see what you think! 
VOTE NOW!

Girls' Bedroom

My little girls are getting bigger.  I know this is inevitable, but it doesn't mean I like it. They have been in big beds for 1 year now.  In that year, our focus has been keeping them in their beds, not decorating their beds!  Now, that they love their beds, I am ready to make them love their room.  Their nursery was classic-Soft pink walls, black and white toile bedding and creamy white furniture. (See it Here) I used the toile bedding as inspiration for a French theme.  Over their beds were painted " Bonne Nuit K" and  "Doux Reves E". (Good Night K & Sweet Dreams E).  We invested in furniture that would grow with them, so those pieces are staying.  Everything else is up for change.
Here are some inspirations:

{ designer Alix J. Bragg} 

This room is so sweet and serene. I love the dollhouse in the corner and the all white bedding.

{photo from decorpad}
This room would be keeping the French theme from their nursery. I love the soft slip-covered headboard.

{photo from decorpad}
This traditional room is so dreamy. I love the soft lilac and butter yellow.  The built ins and window treatments are just gorgeous.

{photo from decorpad}
I love the creamy walls and furniture that let the pink window panels and pillows really pop.  This would also be very easy to grow with my little ones. 

My philosophy for the bedroom is to keep it serene, relaxing and perfect for sleeping. Light, airy fabrics and calming colors work to create a place to unwind. Especially for children's bedrooms, I stay away from stimulating colors and loud activating toys.  Only books, soft toys and calming items will make the cut! 

So which is your favorite?  Please leave me a comment and let me know! 

LOVE her!

I just love Gwyneth Paltrow. She has and does it all! She is an amazingly talented actress (hello, Oscar Winner!), singer (Am I the only Gleek out there?), and blogger (Do you, Goop?). Not to mention that she is the wife of Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, has two beautiful children and is completely dedicated to health and nutrition. She has now added to that amazing resume- Cookbook Author! Have you seen her new cookbook My Father's Daughter? Once again, I am smitten with Gwyneth!

photo courtesy of justjared.com

I scooped up her book up as soon as I saw it, and it has not disappointed! Although she is not a vegetarian, she notes all vegetarian and vegan recipes. She also details how to "Make it Vegan" or "Make it Kid Friendly". Her detailed list of a well stocked pantry is great for new and vetran cooks, alike. My favorites are the White Bean Soup, Fish Tacos and the Sweet Potato Ravioli. I may also have to try the Fudgy Chocolate Brownies!

What do you think of Gwyneth?

Ways to Feel Pretty, Instantly

Jennifer over at the fabulous, Style Your Life blog is asking how we feel pretty instantly.  Here are my tricks:

Color!

I was cursed blessed with fair Irish skin. So, the best way for me to look alive and feel pretty, is to wear a bright color close to my face. Everyone should wear the colors that looks best on them and makes their face bright.  

High Heels

I used to wear heels everyday for work and loved it. I am only 5'2", so I love the height and slimming effect that a heel offers.  Now, ballet flats and sandals are my daily wear.  So, when I get to put on a pair of fabulous high heels, I instantly feel pretty.  Date night and church on Sunday are my weekly fashion shows, where I wear my heels!  I do not own this pair, but absolutely adore them. I secretly hope that someone (my hubby?) will surprise me with these someday! (I won't hold my breath due to the cost!)

Christian Louboutin Patent Rolando

Holding my babies

There's something about holding a baby that makes your face light up.  Everyone looks best with a smile and an expression of pure joy.  Despite the lack of sleep, I always feel beautiful with a baby in my arms!

My son's Baptism

What makes you feel pretty?

Winner!

True Random Number GeneratorMINIMUM: 1MAXIMUM:23
Result: 5         Powered by: Random.org

And the WINNER is.... 
COMMENT #5

The Mullins Family!

Congratulations!  


Please email me at queenbstyle@me.com with your choice of silver or gold and your mailing address.

THANK YOU to everyone who entered!
Check back for June's Fabulous FREE Friday on June 3rd!

Look like a Princess

Did you watch the Royal Wedding?  I was up with my little ones at 5:40 am, so got to catch the actual ceremony.  The best part for me, was how smitten my girls were with a real life Princess!  They kept calling Westminster Abbey her "castle".   
I for one, thought that Kate looked stunning.  Her style was effortless, chic and timeless. Aside from seeing the fashion, my absolute favorite moment was when the doors of the balcony opened at Buckingham Palace. Kate was completely stunned and mouthed "Wow". Perfect! 


Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, always looks effortlessly chic.  She even looked impeccable taking out the trash, just days after her wedding.  Here is how to emulate her look:

PHOTOS: DANNY LAWSON/WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES

Meatless Monday

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope that you all enjoyed your weekend and your Mother's Day! Well, it's Monday again, so what do I have up my sleeve today?

The most common question I get asked about being vegetarian is "How do you get enough protein?"  It is quite funny to me that people automatically question my eating habits, which are usually, WAY healthier than the person asking. Sometimes, I feel like being cheeky and responding "How do you get your fiber, Vitamin B, C, etc.?"  But of course, I am a lady of etiquette, so I would never be so intrusive! The reality is, most American get WAY more protein than needed. Why?  Because our country's biggest farms produce- Meat & Dairy.  So of course they would like us to eat a lot more protein. But what most people really are lacking is one of the most important nutrients--Fiber! And where can you absolutely NOT get fiber from? Meat and Dairy!  


Dietary Fiber is ONLY found in plant-based foods. 


Here is why fiber is SO important: 
{1} Fiber lowers the risk of developing many diseases and conditions that can put your life in danger - heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, and certain cancers.
{2} Fiber can help lower cholesterol by absorbing fat and cholesterol from food. 
{3} Not only does fiber prevent fat absorption, it also helps you feel fuller longer. Filling up on high-fiber foods means you'll have less room for high-fat and highly caloric low-fiber foods. 
{4} Some researchers have calculated that if Americans doubled their intake of fiber, they could cut 100 calories from their daily diet - which could shave off 10 pounds of yearly weight gain.
{5} Fiber helps with intestinal health and regularity.


So, for today's Meatless Monday-- EAT MORE FIBER!  And I mean natural fiber (No fiber supplements!)- EAT fruits, vegetables, whole-grains (whole wheat breads  & pastas, brown rice, bran, oats), beans, seeds and nuts. Added Bonus- most of these will also give you protein! (FYI! :))
Enjoy!

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day has been wonderful.  My babies brought me breakfast in bed-egg white veggie omelet, whole wheat toast, fruit and of course- coffee!  I also got to sleep in until 7:30 am! (My littlest one wakes up at 5:00am everyday!)

We had a relaxing morning and then headed to church.  Church was, well, not relaxing at all- it was our usual, desperate attempt to keep 3 under 3 quiet and still. This is no small feat!

Since we all looked so pretty and it was Mother's Day, I asked my husband to take some pictures of me with the baby bees.  He suggested that we go down to the beautiful lake in our neighborhood.  I loved the idea and immediately had visions of me and my 3 beautiful children, smiling and looking gorgeous in front of a serene background. You know, something out of a magazine. Well, what happened was very far from my visions.  No one wanted to cooperate.  They were hungry, crabby, the sun was in their eyes, and they were more interested in running down the hill to see the duckies or jump in the water.  So, here is the best we could get.  It's not perfect, but it's my perfection! 

Trying to get a girls shot!

I am the luckiest Mommy!

I hope that you all take time today to look past the imperfections of your family, and love and embrace what makes it perfectly your family!

Happy Mother's Day!

Fabulous FREE Fridays!

HAPPY FRIDAY Everyone!  
Today, Queen B has a Fabulous FREE giveaway!  These gorgeous Stella & Dot Bardot Hoop Earrings, in your choice of gold or silver. 

GOLD-Shiny gold plated nuggets on a French wire create lightweight statement earrings with movement. Approximately 2 5/8" in length.
SILVER-Shiny silver plated nuggets on French wire create lightweight statement earrings with movement. Wear day or night.  Finish the look with a very delicate silver necklace.Approximately 2 5/8" in length.


You will each have 3 chances to enter:


{1} Become a Follower of Queen B- Look under "Follow Me" on the right hand side and click the small "follow" button. You can create a new google account or use your email.  Once you have become a Follower, leave a comment to this post stating that you are a Follower. (If you are already a Follower, just leave a comment that you are!)


{2} Become a Facebook Fan of Queen B- Again, look on the right hand side and click on the Facebook icon.  This will take you directly to the Facebook Fan page.  Again, leave an additional comment to this post stating that you are a Facebook fan.


{3} Check out Stella & Dot HERE & look around!  Leave a comment to this post telling me your favorite item! 


It's that easy!  Entires will be accepted until 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday 5/11/11. The winner's comment number will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday 5/12/2011.


Fabulous FREE Fridays will continue the 1st Friday of every month, so check back in June!

Good Luck!

A LOT of bling for LESS!

Stella & Dot has some Facebook FAN Favorites on SALE now until tomorrow, MAY 6th! 

CHARLOTTE Charm Necklace $49 NOW $36       OWL Charm Pendant Necklace $44 NOW $22

MIMI Necklace $59 NOW $35

Click on the name of each piece or click HERE to purchase! 

Check back tomorrow for some FREE bling!

Favorite Vacation Spot!

Over at Kelly's Korner Blog, Kelly is asking "What is your Favorite Vacation Spot?"  I did not have to think twice about this!  Before all of the Baby Bs came along, my husband and I did a fair amount of traveling with our dearest friends.  It is unbelievable how easy it was to hop on a plane and have a relaxing and romantic trip before kids!  So, here is my favorite vacation spot:

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!

We stayed at the fabulous Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach.  This resort is truly breathtaking!  Set atop the mountain, every room has an ocean view. The Mexicans were incredibly friendly, happy and accommodating.  We received excellent service the entire trip. I highly recommend this resort to anyone!


It has been so long since my husband and I have been on vacation...
The blue water, the poolside waiter, the phenomenal guacamole & pina colodas....I am in heaven just thinking about it! 

Where were you?

I always remember my parents and grandparents asking this phrase, "Where were you", when discussing such monumental events as Pearl Harbor and the assassination of JFK.  Pearl Harbor occurred on my Grandmother's 13th birthday. She told us how everyone huddled around the radio to listen to the announcements.  The excitement of her birthday, quickly turned somber.  The realization that all of their brothers and male friends would have to leave them to serve their country fell upon them.  

Similarly, my father told stories of JFK's death; the loss of America's beloved President in an instant.  JFK's funeral and burial occurred on my father's 13th birthday. Again, a day that was to be celebrated, turned somber.  In both events, the country was stunned, saddened and changed forever.  


911 is my generation's "Where were you" moment.  I remember it vividly today and I know that I will instantly have that vivid memory, when my children and grandchildren ask me. I was sitting at my computer at work, when some colleagues returned from a meeting with news that one of the twin towers was hit.  Confused and wanting more information, the small company turned on the tv in the conference room. In a matter of minutes, confusion turned to terror, as I and the others in the room watched as the second tower was struck. Gray smoke and red fires blowing in the clear blue sky, as we watched in horror.  Soon, word of other flights, including one over our city preempted work.  We were all told to go home.  I have never watched as much news as I did that day.  I was glued to the tv day and night, and to every bit of information reported.  I cried with so many other Americans and for so many other Americans.  Our country, once again was profoundly changed.  


Since that day, we have trusted our elected leaders to find justice for all the lost lives. We believed, that the unexplainable evil would be found.  
Well, our amazing President, elected leaders, and dedicated armed forces have not let us down.  Pure evil left this Earth on May 1, 2011. I only hope that this will bring some comfort to all of those still aching for their lost loved one.  


To ALL of our military and their family- THANK YOU!  
THANK YOU for all of the time, sacrifice and dedication that you have given to ALL Americans, for our freedom.  You have done well! 
Despite your political views, we should ALL be proud to be American today.  

Meatless Monday!

It's Monday again, and that means more health tips and less meat! (actually- NO meat!) Today, I have a fast and delicious dinner.  
Here's what you need:


4- Tilapia Fillets (I use the frozen ones from Costco, Target also makes a good one)
Tony's Creole seasoning
1- Can of Black Beans
1- Can of Diced Tomatoes
Smart Balance Cooking Oil
Israeli Pearl Couscous (Costco again!)
Sea Salt
Smart Balance Buttery Spread
Parsley (optional)
Fresh Vegetable of your choice- I go with broccoli


Tilapia:

• Thaw the tilapia according to package directions (Do nothing if fresh!)
• Preheat the oven according to package directions
• Fill the bottom of a glass baking dish with a thin layer of the cooking oil
• Coat the fillets on both sides with the Tony's seasoning (This is a bit hot- so use more or less depending on your tolerance for hot food)
• Place in baking dish
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Take fish out of oven and cover with drained & rinsed black beans & diced tomatoes (not drained!)
• Cook for an additional 15 minutes

Couscous

• Cook according to package directions
• Add SB Buttery spread, sea salt & parsley to taste

Vegetable- steamed 

Voila!!  Everyone that I have made this for has LOVED it. And it is SO easy to keep all items on hand and make a meal in 30 minutes! 

Health Tip: A plant-based diet revs your metabolism, causing you to burn calories 16% faster than you would on a non-plant-based diet for at least 3 hours after meals! 
Veganist, Kathy Freston