WE LUV: Amenda Beck MUA

So for those who know me personally, aside from cleaning up for work, I have an everyday mommy uniform of black sweats, a worn black hoodie jacket, nike t-shirt, and sneakers!  Part of me is half expecting my family will try submitting me as a candidate for TLC's "What Not to Wear" one of these days!

Well, my sister, Amenda, on the other hand is much more versed in style and fashion and if I happen to receive a compliment on something I'm wearing, chances are it belongs to her!

Not just the sister whose closet I raid when I need some fun clothes, but Amenda is also Amenda Beck Makeup Artist.  Having recently started freelancing as a makeup artist, Amenda specializes in bridal and special occasion makeup.  

 

 

What tricks of the trade was Amenda able to shed light on for all our fashion forward moms?!!

What are five essential beauty products you will ALWAYS carry in your purse?:
Lipgloss by Dior, Bobby Brown Under Eye Corrector in Light Peach, Amore Pacific Skin Energy Mist, Hair Accessories (i.e. bobby pins, hair bands, claw clip), Oil Blotting Paper

What are some current makeup trends:
Bright lips is a popular look for this spring.  Bright orange/reds look good on most every skin tone.  Also a nice nude coral and classy bubblegum pink is trending too.  And using illuminating primers and moisturizers under your foundation to create a fresh dewy look.

If you had to give one beauty tip or secret:
Apply a nude or white eyeliner in your lower eye-line to open up the whole eye and make it look bigger.

Any makeup shortcuts you can suggest for busy moms?:
You can double up lipstick for your lips and as a cheek stain, or lipgloss for lips and a light dabbing for your eyelids for that dewy look.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART!!!...  
Do you wanna pretty yourself up for a family / maternity photo session or your baby's upcoming birthday?  
Or perhaps to enjoy a night out with the hubby / friends... or just for kicks!  
We will be raffling off one COMPLIMENTARY makeup session by Amenda to celebrate all our beautiful moms! 
** NOTE:  Giveaway not applicable to bridal makeup **
** NOTE:  Travel not included **

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

** Entries not limited to one category, but can enter in each 

** Contest will run through Friday, May 18th  

** One winner will be drawn at random and notified via method used at contest entrance. 

1.  Comment on this post

2.  Like or post a message on Petite Productions Facebook page

3.  Like or post a message on Amenda Beck Makeup Artist Facebook page

For additional pricing and service details, CONTACT Amenda at amendabeckmua@gmail.com.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2012!!!

KID APPROVED: Chic-fil-A

Chic-fil-A is nothing new considering I remember my middle school lunch carts selling their chicken sandwiches and they had a location in the local mall's food court where I grew up.  I was NOT a big fan of the sandwiches back then, so certainly NEVER expected that they would still be in my life twenty-something years later!  But now Chic-fil-A is bigger and better and popularity for the franchise is exponentially increasing!... Along with my new-found approval of them too! 

   

They have definitely come a long way from the lonely fried chicken breast between two pieces of bread with a drabby piece of pickle of yesteryears.  My breakfast favorite is their "Chick-n-Minis".  LUV the combination of biscuit, with a touch of honey, and the saltiness from the chicken, but all compressed into a mini size!  Also a big fan of their breakfast burritos and the salsa packets that go with it.  

    

For their non-breakfast items, they have some great healthy alternatives, but I'm a sucker for their Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.  =)

  

And gotta love all their sauces!!!  I personally LUV the packets of Honey Roasted BBQ and I'm assuming a lot of other people must agree, as they don't stock these with rest of their sauces at the grab & go counter!  I do want to tell their product development team that they need to hurry up and come out with Spicy Chic-fil-A Nuggets!

  

So other than me listing off all my fav menu items, what makes them stand out above and beyond all their competitors ~ and are they equally impressing the kid-critics?!!

Well, for starters, I was floored during my first drive-thru experience when my order taker used phrases like "is there anything else I can be of assistance" and "it is my pleasure".  My work background is in hospitality for a high-end luxury brand, and those were words we were trained to say to our clientele... but I never would have thought I would be hearing those words coming out of a speaker system at a fast-food drive-thru!!!
Our neighborhood Chic-fil-A also hosts a weekly family fun night consisting of crafts, balloons, and character visits for the kids, along with their usual "kids eat free" dining promotion.  They also have someone who seems to be a floater, or what I call a "Chic-fil-A Ambassador" who roams around the restaurant checking in on you, seeing if you need drink re-fills, or if your kids want balloons.  He / She is usually the contact if you want to have them coordinate a party for you and they have several well-packaged options for you to consider.  Your kids might also appreciate a kiddy table mat for their meal.  If you don't see them in front, all you need to do is ask.  Another little secret is if your kids would prefer ice cream over the kids meal toy, all you need to do is trade in the toy and they'll give you a kiddy-sized ice cream cone or cup.  THAT IS BRILLIANT!!!  And as they do for adults, they also have healthy, but tasty alternatives for the kids.  It is fast-food for the family without the guilt!  Certain days when I am trying to multi-task between getting work done, feeding the kids lunch, etc... Chic-fil-A becomes a great option for me with free Wi-Fi available and feeling super comfortable with the play environment they provide for kids.

  

In addition they are constantly having different promotions, including the "First 100" event, which awards the first 100 adults in line at each grand opening with a year's supply of chicken meals!

Their food is always fresh, facilities are super clean, staff is refreshingly friendly and professional... and it is MY PLEASURE to support Chic-fil-A's food, the establishment, and their causes!

KID TESTED, ALL APPROVED!

** All pictures / images courtesy of Chic-fil-A's website **

WE LUV: All About Bebe

Our blog has been a depressing and pathetic excuse of a blog, with zero activity for the past SEVEN months!  Ahhhhh!  Thus begins a mid-year resolution campaign to become more blog happy!  :)

And no better way to start as we look forward to Children's Day tomorrow!  Not only is May 5th a fiesta day in Mexican culture, but it is also a national holiday celebrating children in Japan and Korea.

Applauding our kids most fashionably is All About Bebe, a kid-inspired boutique retailing stylish baby & children's clothing and accessories. 

 

 

Every piece in their online and in-store collection has been methodically selected and only featured for a limited time with limited quantities, keeping each item more exclusive and unique.  

Definitely wishing I was a size 5T so I can be just as stylish! 

Don't you love these leggings?!! 

    

Not to forget the little misters!

 

 

In honor of Children's Day and our little buddies, All About Bebe will give away one SUPER CUTE BOY/GIRL TOP!  Many ways to enter, but only one lucky winner!  

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

** Entries not limited to one category, but can enter in each 

** Contest will run through Tuesday, May 8th, 7:00 pm PST.  

** One winner will be drawn at random and notified via method used at contest entrance. 

1.  Follow @PetitProduction on Twitter

2.  Follow @AllaboutBeBe on Twitter

3.  Like Petite Productions Facebook page and leave a comment under the giveaway post

4.  Like All About Bebe's Facebook page and leave a comment under the giveaway post
5.  If you already FOLLOW our LIKE us, simply tweet us and make note of the contest or leave a comment on either of our facebook pages under any post mentioning the contest. 

Visit All About Bebe online at www.allaboutbebe.com or

visit their store location at:  

8111 Commonwealth Avenue, Buena Park || 714.562.0388 

Happy Children's Day and Good Luck!!!