Category: Momgirblog

top mother’s day picks

This mother’s day is most definitely unlike any other mother’s day anyone has ever experienced. When my husband asked me what I wanted this year my initial reaction was ALONE TIME! I know all of you #newhomeschoolmoms can feel me! Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to be able to be safe at home with my family, but this mama won’t be getting her nails done, wont’t be going to the spa and won’t be on any kind of mall shopping spree. So this year, I put together my top 10 list of self-care things I’m loving from beauty to retail and even making your cooking a little more efficient! Enjoy and happy list making! Feel free to reach out with questions!

I’m so super stoked that Beautycounter brought back the Glow Getters Trio Set! It was a top seller over the holidays, with 3 gifts in one and the limited edition instant glow! Since we’re not doing much these days, this set is perfect for a treating your skin! The overnight resurfacing peel gives you an instant overnight facial, the instant glow is amazing for that natural glow we all crave and the illuminating cream highlighter in rose glow, gives you that natural color so you can feel somewhat like yourself!

Glow Getters Trio
Lilly Pulitzer Stemless Insulated Wine Glass
Pout Perfector Lip Care Set
Lilly Pulitzer PJ Woven Button Down Top
Lemongrass Body Set
Carter Star Studded Tie-Dye Sweatshirt
Powerbeats Pro – Totally Wireless Earphones – Navy

Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50+ Luxletic 21″ Weekender High Rise Crop Pant
Instant Pot DUO60 6-Quart 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Saute, Steamer, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
Lilly Pulitzer Clara Slipper (Zanzibar Blue Ruff Night) Women’s Sandals

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Eastover Basket Ideas

It’s not too late to get your Easter baskets ready for the kiddos! I’ve compiled a list of my faves from Target! Although these are uncertain times, I’m going to make sure that the kids have the best day ever and enjoy their time home and I hope this inspires you to do the same! xo

Here are some ideas for her!

Here are some ideas for him!

If you’ve got tween girls, these are great!

Let’s not forget the tween boys!

Crazy how big these two have become just in this last year!

Target has some great ideas for gifts! These are some of the things we snagged!

Caboodle Makeup Case//Play-Doh//Egg Fillers//Bunny Painting Book//Egg Decorating Kit//Reese’s Eggs

Happy Quarantine Eastover to all my peeps! We will be enjoying some chocolate covered matzah in our house! Big virtual hugs!

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

momgirlpod

I did it! I worked up the nerve to step outside of my comfort zone and launch a podcast! Entitled “momgirlpod,” my mission is to grow the momgirlblog brand and inspire moms everywhere to be the best version of themselves! It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for quite sometime and when my mother in law bought me a microphone for my birthday back in October, I thought now I REALLY had to do it. Then the holidays happened and although it was still on my heart, life kept passing me by. Since being quarantined for the past almost two weeks, I’ve been working diligently to get this puppy up and running. While it is still a work in progress and a ton of trial and error, I welcome any and all suggestions. My hope is that this podcast inspires you to take this precious time we have been granted to work on something you’ve been thinking about.

The first episode is a piggyback off of my blog post “Never In a Million Years Did I Think I Would Be a Homeschool Mom.” I hope you enjoy it and it helps you navigate this unfamiliar territory, we as a nation are embarking on together. Please like, subscribe, comment and most importantly share with anyone you feel this may help! I want to thank every person who gave me advice, encouraged me and especially my husband who has inspired me to just keep swimming. xo

-Briana D.

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Never in a million years did I think I would be a homeschool mom!

Okay you guys. I don’t have to say it, you already feel it. The struggle is REAL THIS TIME! I know we always laughed at that saying and touted it around like a cute little purse, but on the real, this is unlike any other struggle we as a nation have ever had to endure. Please don’t say I have a dog and know what it’s like, because I have that too and it AIN’T THE SAME. Ok…rant done. So let’s get up to speed here.

You’re home, having to work, to figure out your next meal, learning to embrace the unknown, not clear on if you are going to be able to cover your bills, HOMESCHOOL your kids and take it like a champ, all while praying to all things holy, you don’t contract some deadly disease that seems like that scary movie, “Parasite?!” Someone please pinch me and wake me up from this terrible dream!

I have always been the realest of the real when it comes to life (just ask my husband), but for the sake of having to keep my crown on as queen and not let my kingdom burn down, I’m going to share a few tips and tricks that have helped me thus far. No I am NOT AN EXPERT and on occasion I have been know to freak out (it’s the New Yorker in me), but let’s get something straight, I’m tenacious, head strong and am not known for going along with the status quo, plus in my home we have a motto that says “D’Andreas Don’t Quit!” So it’s time to put our big girl panties on, ride this wave out like all of the other waves we’ve rode and enjoy the ride, because when in our lifetime has the President of the United States ordered us to, “Stay home in your pjs and Netflix and chill for the time being?” Like for reals.

So there was a post circulating of a little schedule that I snagged from my sister in law on behalf of NESCA (Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents). I’ve got to admit, at first I snorted at the idea…me? Home School mom? Ha! I have friends who I would sit around and have lunch with, saying how I could NEVER do it, that I am totally not equipped and how I don’t even see how it’s even a possibility. Fast forward a week (joke’s on me) and here I am!

OK, so it’s been 3 days and I have to say so far so good. Have we had a few fights and tantrums? Uh duh! However, this thing has really kept us all on schedule and I hope this post can inspire you to do the same! I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old and obviously they are at different skill levels. So during academic time I am supplementing with workbooks I’ve gotten for preschoolers, for my little one and some books from school that I’ve saved and that we have for my bigger one. Reach out to your teachers for info on applications or computer programs you can use. I know Palm Beach County Schools recently released some resources to help us tackle this whole learning from home thing. Reach out to your school’s district or visit their website to learn more about what to do in your area. Our teacher recommended something called, “Brain Pop Junior.” My mother in law recently got the kids an OSMO. It’s super awesome for learning shapes, numbers, letters, etc. and you can make it as easy or hard as you like. (You will need a kindle for that).

Below is a great list of apps I found on my Pinterest for children of all ages, so you can avoid them binging on YouTube all day.

Also, a list of helpful homeschool links to help you develop some kind of a curriculum.

For those of us who are attempting a schedule while working from home, (this isn’t a new concept for myself since I have my daughter home part-time and I have a few businesses). I am still waking up early, getting dressed, and working for an hour before the kids wake up and during their “quiet rest times,” which is how I am able to write this blog post. I am going to consider more food prep (stay tuned for that in another blog post) and incorporate the kids somehow. For now, I am cooking while they soak in a pretty cool Netflix series called “Brainchild.” So far we’ve watched two episodes and they were on the topics of social media and germs (which I feel like is very fitting of the times). We have been getting up every morning to go for a bike ride and a run for mama to release those endorphins first thing in the a.m.!

Lastly, here are a few things I picked up on Amazon for some fun crafts. A sticker by numbers book, a jewelry box for little miss to paint, some sand art and window art (who remembers those beads, we used to bake?!)

Let’s band together and use this as an opportunity to help one another weather this storm. Think about all of the things in the past you were so afraid of and now are merely a blip on your radar. Jen Sincero said exactly that in her recent book, “You Are a Badass at Making Money.” Remember to re-organize your schedule and make time for the things you love most and most importantly self-care. We are all in this together. Please send me a message, a dm or just share this with someone who might need it. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @briandandrea. Virtual hugs to all! I want to leave you with a quote by Mister Rogers.

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Top 5 Must Reads in 2020

It’s the latest craze…”self-care ain’t selfish!” Everywhere you turn, every meme, every instagram post, people left and right are reading books on how to become them best versions of themselves! One of my all time favorite things to do is read…It’s always been something that has been attractive to me. The idea of being transported to another dimension, a sort of escape. Once I had children the idea of reading was a distant memory, however this past year I decided to get back to what I really and truly loved so much! 2019 was a year of transformation for me. I decided to dive in and join a book club (if you want to know which, you’ll have to message me) and these people are all about being the best version of themselves! My people! I always thought the self-help section meant there was something wrong with me, that I didn’t need any help with living my life. Now, it’s all the rage! Nowadays people are digesting self help books likes it’s off the dessert menu at The Cheesecake Factory! lol Below are my list of top 5 “self-care ain’t selfish books!” I hope you enjoy them as much as I have and here’s to a new you this 2020!

“Go for No”- Yes is the destination No is how you get there

This book is an absolute game changer! I feel like I need to read it again. It’s a quick and easy inspirational read that helped me to get over when someone tells me no and to go for it anyway. It’s given me the confidence to have massive success in my business and I hope it does the same for you! One of my top gifts to give too!

“You Are A Badass”- How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness & Start Living an Awesome Life

We all experience self doubt. Are we good enough? Are we smart enough? The answer is YOU ARE! The first step to greatness is knowing you are fully capable of your wants and desires and then making it happen!

“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”- A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

I’ve always been someone who worried too much about what others thought or pleasing them. This book has given me the confidence to realize that life is short and we only have so much f*cks to give in life!

“No-Drama Discipline”- The Whole Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

As a mother I am always finding ways to better myself for my children. I can’t stand the drama and chaos that parenting sometimes brings. This is an inside look to our children’s brains and actionable approaches to not yelling.

“Girl, Stop Apologizing”- A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals

One of my all time favorite reads right after “Girl Wash Your Face.” We live in a society where we always feel like we have to apologize for the way we are or the way we make others feel. It’s time to stop apologizing and make 2020 your best year yet!

I have linked all the books to my AMAZON Associates account. Please shop through my link to show your support, so I can continue to deliver valuable content. Thanks a bunch!

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Your greatest success is on the other side of fear!

FEAR! It’s almost like a swear word. We are so afraid these days of not measuring up to the Pinterest, Instagram worthy world. Afraid we don’t have enough followers. Afraid we’re not good enough. Good enough spouses, parents, moms, dads, entrepreneurs. What if I told you that your greatest success could be on the other side of that fear? What if you “acted” like you weren’t completely petrified of the unknown? I know it’s a far fetched idea and often times fear is what paralyzes us the most. However, that fear is exactly what your subconscious is telling you to do. Do you have something tugging at your heart strings? Something you keep pushing aside no matter how hard you try? To start losing that weight? To start that new business or side hustle? To start writing that book? For me it was to create this space. (I’ve got some others, but we will tackle those on another post) :). Although I had the foundation, I always felt like I was too busy or too out of the loop, or the best one…who made me an expert that people would want to hear what I had to say? I decided to look fear in the face and dive in anyway. I started this space almost 3 years ago out of the sheer purpose to bind other parents and moms going through what I had gone through. I told myself at the very least, I would have a journal, a space for my children to look back on as an archive. Fast forward 3 years later and no I am not the biggest blogger on the block, but I am now being recognized by my peers as a finalist in the Blogger Union at the South Florida Blogger Union Awards. I’m up for an award in the parenting, lifestyle, health and inspirational categories! Me? Inspirational? I chuckled…but then it dawned on me. I had done it. I faced fear head on and managed to come out on top. Now I don’t say this boast or to give myself a big high-five, I say this to inspire YOU! What speaks to YOU! What fuels YOU!

When I received the news of one of America’s greatest basketball players had passed away in a helicopter crash, I was sad. Sad for Kobe, sad for his his daughter who died too, sad for her sisters, sad for his wife and the mother of their daughters, Vanessa. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It snapped me back into shape to say, no matter how successful we are, we are not invincible. However, Kobe fought the good fight, he followed his passions and for what he believed in. At the end of the day, we all only have one life to live. I know that story made me feel grateful in this moment and I will be darned if I go down without a fight. I hope you won’t go down without a fight, with me.

If you enjoyed this article, please don’t forget to vote for me here, in the parenting, health, lifestyle and inspirational categories. I would love to be recognized in this space and continue to deliver content you all have been enjoying over the past 3 years. Thank you so much!

-Briana D.

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Test Your Superpowers at the Latest Superhero Exhibit

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium strikes again! With some of the baddest and best superheroes of all time! Get up close and personal into the life of Batman, Superman and Iron Man to name a few. Test your strengths in mind, body and agility in the latest exhibit, “Hall of Heroes!” I took the kiddos on a rainy day over winter break to check it out and it was well received…especially by my 7-year-old son. 

“In our mission to open every mind to science, we strive through our exhibits to make sure learning is fun,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “Hall of Heroes is the perfect way to get kids to find out more about the physics and chemistry behind superpowers like thermodynamics and X-ray vision, as well as the history behind the heroes. Science and imagination go together to help us advance and shape our future.”

The exhibit takes you through the history and evolution of superheroes dating back to the 1930’s, with a few interactive stations. The idea is to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and to explore new concepts through discovery, as you are transported back to the Golden, Silver, Bronze and Modern Ages. When you walk in, you can test your knowledge and get a secret code to unlock a safe. See what it’s like to match up against major wind speeds and what it’s like to use a robotic hand. Are you as fast as a superhero? Test your running pace in a race against time. Do you think you have what it takes to hang from a building? Try to beat the top time and test your strength to hang on for dear life. My favorite part? Seeing the progression of all of the Bat Mobiles over the decades. From the first movie to today, I loved looking at the models of the iconic vehicle that shaped the career of one the most beloved superheroes. Learn the chemistry and physics behind superpowers like thermodynamics and x-ray vision and try to build your best superhero vehicle out of blocks. (I was not successful at this! lol)

The first Bat Mobile to ever fly from 1969 TV show will welcome guests at Palm Beach International Airport. While Wonder Woman, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk will greet guests entering the Science Center. 

My son’s favorite part of the exhibit was using an electronic hand. It takes great skill to move the arm back and forth and push buttons that controlled the movement of the robots fingers to pick up blocks and move them from place to place. Highly recommend catching the exhibit that runs through April 19th while you can.

-Briana D’Andrea

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

2020 Must-Have Supplements

2020! New decade, new year, new YOU! I’ve put together my top 5 supplements I love and swear by. Whole Foods Market is having their annual supplement sale January 3rd-5th, but if you can’t make it to the store, feel free to shop through my Amazon links! Reach out if you have any questions and here’s to feeling and looking your best in 2020!!

New Chapter Daily Multi-Vitamin

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oils

Garden of Life Once Daily Probiotic

Gaia Kids Elderberry Syrup

Rainbow Light Counterattack

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Top 10 Holiday Gifts under $50 for everyone on your list!

Season’s greetings! I’ve narrowed down my top 10 holiday gifts for everyone on your list for under $50! Some of these sets can be broken up and used for significant others, teachers, parents, friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teens, children, the list goes on! Hope you enjoy and happy shopping!!!

Brouk and Co. Duo Travel Organizer for Cosmetics and Jewelry: One of “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” this top Lower zippered jewelry compartment features two enclosed pockets, rings/earrings pillow, and mirror.
9.5” (L) x3.5” (W) x 6” (H)
Made of premium vegan leather
Nylon lining on top, soft-Suede lining on bottom
A smart solution for the savvy traveler
$48, plus save and extra 20% with a coupon!
These four essential men’s products, conveniently sized to take on-the-go, feature Sequoia Stem Cell Complex to help protect skin and hair from everyday stress.
Counterman Carry-On Includes:
Counterman Purifying Shampoo: This daily shampoo cleanses away dirt and oil without stripping the hair or scalp.
Counterman Energizing Charcoal Body Wash: Made with an invigorating blend of natural rosemary, mint, and citrus oils and activated charcoal, this energizing body wash purifies and detoxifies skin.
Counterman Daily Exfoliating Cleanser: This gentle daily cleanser, featuring exfoliating jojoba beads and soothing Aloe Vera, removes dirt, oil, and other impurities while sloughing away dead skin cells to help unclog pores.
Counterman Oil-Free Face Lotion: This lightweight and non-greasy daily moisturizer absorbs quickly and boosts hydration. Corn starch helps to minimize shine while Taurine helps to boost skin’s resiliency.
$45
Sony SRS-XB12 Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth Speaker:
On “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list and an Amazon Exclusive!
Extra bass for Deep, punchy sound
Waterproof and Dustproof (IP67 rated)
Up to 16 hours of battery life
Compact portable design with included detachable strap
Add an extra speaker for stereo sound
In the box: USB cable, strap (attached to product body), card
Smack, pucker, and pout—these universally flattering lip glosses glide on easily and pack a delicious punch. The lightweight, cushiony texture delivers an ultra-glossy hint of color. Sweetened with Stevia, each of the five shades has its own unique scent experience: Raspberry, Butterscotch, Orange Cream, Peppermint, and Sorbet. $39 for the set! These WILL sell out!


Shades Include:

Raspberry
Butterscotch
Orange Cream
Peppermint
Sorbet
Burt’s Bees Organic Argyle Christmas Pajamas:
I’m always on the hunt for matching family Pjs! These Burt’s Bees pajamas come in every size, for every member of the family! Plus, they’re 100% organic! Safe and in style…what more could you ask for?
$10.15-$39.95
Achieve an easy, polished look in seconds with these three essential products.
Fresh Faced Trio Includes:
Brilliant Brow Gel in Invisible (3 ML / 0.1 OZ): Groom your brows with our invisible, flake-proof, light-hold formula made with organic conditioners that leave your brows soft to the touch. A tapered applicator makes for a precise, fool-proof application. Suitable for every brow color.
Lengthening Mascara (5 ML / 0.2 OZ): Add length and definition with nourishing plant-derived ingredients, including rice bran and carnauba wax to help condition lashes. Our unique precision brush perfectly separates, defines, and coats each lash. 
The Jellies in Sorbet (6 ML / 0.21 FL OZ): Get an ultra-glossy sheer wash of color with this lightweight, cushiony, and universally flattering lip gloss in Sorbet.
$45
Ecoffee Cup Red/ Red Silicon:
Another “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” made the list!
300 billion single-use cups are manufactured each year. Only 1% are recycled
Reusable Over And Over With ‘No-Drip’ Lid
Light, bright and beautiful with no flavor taint, so your coffee won’t end up tasting like plastic or metal
BPS, BPA, phthalate, and latex-free. Proudly LFBG, FDS, Japan Food Compliant
Made with natural fiber, corn starch, and resin. Fully dishwasher safe
$13.99

This trio of lightweight hand lotions—enriched with shea butter, grapeseed and jojoba oils, and squalane—deliver rich, non-greasy hydration that protects hands against winter weather’s drying effects. Gift as a set, split up into multiple presents, or pair with our coordinating Body Butter Trio for an ultra-hydrating treat.


Three limited-edition Holiday scents include: 
Fresh Petal
Mandarin Violet
Soft Neroli
$34
Cozy Winter Slipper Socks Women & Men w Non-Slip Grippers Faux Fur Sherpa:
WARM & COZY, Unisex, 75 different designs & 100% animal friendly! Pamper and treat your feet by slipping into warmth and comfort in a pair of Pudus Slipper Socks. With an elevated level of softness, the thick and extra-fluffy Sherpa lining provide a cozy pillow feeling with every step!
$24.99
The ultimate travel companion for skin and hair that’s clean, soft and cared-for—anywhere. Includes travel-size versions of our most popular body and hair care products, all in our signature citrus mimosa scent, to tuck into your toiletry kit, gym bag or work tote.


Beautycounter Travel Companion Includes:
Daily Shampoo: This purifying shampoo gently cleanses without stripping hair.
Daily Conditioner: This daily conditioner is designed to help nourish hair, smooth strands and leave hair looking shiny.
Body Wash: This creamy cleanser leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed.
Hydrating Body Lotion: This lightweight, fast-absorbing body lotion helps keep skin feeling soft and supple.
$35

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment

Breast Cancer Awareness Safer Switches

October is Breast Cancer Prevention/Awareness month! If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve been giving you daily tips with regards to safer switches. Below are my top 5 safer alternatives to limit your toxic intake!

Food Prep Containers with Lids: Research shows, plastic can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food and beverages and then into you! Using glass is a much safer alternative and helps with food prep for the week! Win-win!

S’well Water Bottle: Same goes for plastic water bottles! I always try to carry one around wherever I go! Keeps you hydrated and you’re not drinking any potential toxic ingredients seeping into your water!

Tulip Perfume: The word “fragrance,” is a cocktail of ingredients, masking countless carcinogens and hormone disrupting chemicals. Fragrance can be found in almost HALF of all personal care products! Be especially cautious when it comes to children’s products! Use the EWG app to scan products around your home to see its level of toxicity. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me where I got this perfume! It’s the perfect blend of lemon and sugar, without being overpowering and minus the harsh fragrance!

Safer Makeup: It’s perfectly legal for companies to use ingredients linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and reproductive harm in cosmetics and personal care products. With Beautycounter’s makeup you don’t have to choose between safety and performance!

LODGE Cast Iron: Some toxic compounds are used in non-stick cookware. While they keep food and stains from sticking, they stick around your body for a very long time and have been linked to cancer. I absolutely LOVE my cast iron skillet! You can literally cook anything you want in it AND it’s oven safe! It’s time to ditch the teflon and non-stick pans!

Briana D’AndreaLeave a comment
%d bloggers like this: