Where did April go? We're not quite sure. But we know for certain that the products we reviewed over this flash of a month captured our attention. And made the time that passed too quickly oh so enjoyable.

Vincent Longo: The Curl mascara*
A lovely addition to the VL Cosmetics family, this mascara is easy to layer for a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed look, all day long. You can bend the tip to give you the best angle for application. The slim size means you can carry it with you to apply one more coat at the end of your work day as you are heading out to meet friends for dinner.

lululemon: Clari-Tee Short Sleeve in white/green
I have to admit, I like this tee too much to work out in it. The raglan style and fabulous green color make it a cinch to style for a sporty-meets-edgy look (think ripped up white jeans, long pendant necklace, layered bracelets and fabulous wedges). The tee is sheer, so layering underneath works best. It launders well, and it's even pre-shrunk. I did go up one size in this particular top to get more length. And I do wear it to and from my workout. I just prefer to wear it with jeans.

Natura Bissé: Oxygen Mousse*
I am no stranger to Natura Bissé. Just like I'm no stranger to the latest and greatest entries in a line. Enter, the new Oxygen Mousse in the Oxygen line. Smells just as delicious as every other product in this line, but performs to new standards. This purifying foam cleanses superbly while restoring skin’s youthfulness and radiance. It's formulated with biotechnological water extracted from Spirulina, a green algae containing proteins, vitamins and minerals. It also contains Mushroom extract to regulate and balance skin, visibly reducing pores. It finishes with an even, matte appearance. But watch out, the men in your lives will steal it. I've caught my son and hubby red-handed numerous times. You might want to get them their own.

Twisted Silver: Wonderland bracelet
This is one of those bracelets you won't want to layer around. It's fabulous all on its own. Made out of brass and cut to showcase a beautiful summer day, this statement piece has definitely been grabbing attention. And rightfully so!

Le Métier de Beauté: Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complex
I am a sucker for an amazing tinted moisturizer. Well, this one is all that and then some! More of a treatment, this formula contains retinol to improve skin over the long term. It's sheer and weightless, and its light-diffusing pigments reveal nothing less than a flawless complexion. It looks gorgeous on skin! Bonus — it contains Titanium Dioxide to help shield those harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you're prone to dry skin, use only during the warmer months of the year and switch to something more hydrating in the cooler months.

The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.

*Available at Jeffre Scott in Charlotte and Turner and Scott in Asheville

From one milestone to another, life continues to move and change around us. As much as I feel like Wonder Woman some days, I cannot stop time. Which makes it even more important to enjoy every precious second of the day with family.

This mother's day, let your children cherish you. Take it all in. File it to memory, so that you can access that moment whenever you need it. Children grow so fast. And as of today, my oldest is officially taller than I am. As excited as he is, it makes me a titch sad. A mixed milestone, I guess you can say.

The reason we are mothers, what ties us together, is our children. And there is no greater gift in the world. Happy Mother's Day!

 

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.

- Marion C. Garretty

Photo from Vogue

Some things make me giddy. Sunscreen is one of them.

While you may not have guessed, I am a huge proponent of healthy skin. Sometimes to the point of annoyance (sorry, family). That means staying out of the way of those harmful UVA and UVB rays. Well, at least protecting yourself from them.

Thank goodness there are so many superb sunscreens on the market these days. It used to be quite difficult to find one that contained the right ingredients. And now there is a convenient, on-the-go, no mess version that rocks, due to the brilliance of Susan Posnick!

My whole family has been enjoying the latest in fabulousness from my friend, Susan. A skin cancer survivor, Susan is beyond passionate about proper skin protection. She created Brush on Block, which contains 12% zinc oxide and 15% titanium dioxide (physical blockers), to make it easy for everyone to apply sunscreen everyday. Everyday!

Perfect for your athletic bag (or your child’s), golf bag and purse! Yes, I have three. With outdoor activities playing a big role in our lives, Brush on Block has brought me peace of mind, knowing I'm giving my family the best in sun care.

Available at Jeffre Scott in Charlotte and Turner & Scott in Asheville

Here I am, back on the subject of men's shoes. I can't help myself. There are so many options this spring. From texture to color to style.

First and foremost, men will you wear a sandal? Something other than a flip flop, that is. Not that I don't like flip flops, because I do. Leather, of course. I'm just curious if you can wrap your mind around an alternative.

Think, easy lazy summer days. Not suit and sandals, like below. More like, frayed khaki shorts with a super soft henley. Are you with me?

Photo via Luisaviaroma