What did we ever do before Havaianas came into our lives?  These lovely little flip flops are hands-down the most comfortable sandals you will ever own, but this blog isn’t called “Local Comfort,” so you know these sandals are highly stylish as well.  How many of you have purchased new flip flops only to find out after a couple hours (or minutes!) that they dig into every spot on your feet?  Not with Havaianas.

It’s amazing what a colorful piece of rubber can do for an outfit…actually for a lifestyle.  I don’t know any other shoe that can seamlessly go from the beach to a summer cocktail party.  When you wear Havaianas you never feel too casual or too dressed up, which in essence, is Portland style, isn’t it?  Any local gal shouldn’t be without a pair (or two or three or four).

From the dainty slim style to the simple classics, there’s a pair of Havaianas for every outfit and occasion.  Lucky for us, Bliss stocks the super cute Havaianas Slim in several fabulous colors.  And they’re at a price point that won’t break your wallet either.

We all know there are a million and one products out there claiming to reverse the signs of aging on our skin.  Being barely over 30, it’s a little overwhelming to try to keep up with all of it, and frankly, I didn’t think I needed to at this point in my life!  So when I went in for my Lumafirm Facial at The Spa at The Portland Regency, my main purpose was to relax, enjoy & be pampered as I always am when I go in there.  Little did I know I would be singing the praises of the results…

The Cleanse - As with most all facials, the moment the esthetician begins that first cleanse of your face, you are instantly taken to a place of pure relaxation.  No matter how many times you wash your own face at home, there’s just something special about having someone do it for you.  Maybe it’s the warm bed, the luxurious products, the esthetician’s trained touch.  Regardless, the first cleanse of this facial was nothing short of perfection.  It included a pore cleansing enzyme layer that I could actually feel working.

The Review - After my face became a clean slate for reviewing, my esthetician brought over the light to examine my skin.  Turns out I actually was a good candidate for the Lumafirm facial.  She noticed some fine lines, enlarged pores, and dryness around my jaw line (most likely from my beloved iPhone!).  So I guess it isn’t too early to start paying attention to how my skin is aging!

The Extract - Next came extractions, which are a necessary step with any facial.  My esthetician was quick & effective, and in no time the light was off and I was back to sinking into relaxation.

She then applied the Lumafirm freeze dried emulsion, which repairs & brightens skin and produces a tightening effect.  The emulsion is a concentrated sorghum extract (a type of grass) which may reduce wrinkles up to 25%!  At that moment I wasn’t really thinking about wrinkles though, because the sensation of the extract going onto my face with a soft brush was all I could think about.

The Massage - As the extract worked its magic, one of the best parts of the facial came next – the massage.  My favorite thing about facials is they combine the best of both worlds – massage & skin care.  This massage of my head, neck and shoulders was pure bliss.

Next came a lovely mask (which smelled amazing!) that has more ingredients to renew, tighten & firm.  (Fun fact – one of the ingredients is kombucha, like the tea, which increases elasticity and firmness and restores a healthy glow). Finally, a last layer of Lumafirm Repair Cream was applied and my 60 minutes in heaven had to come to an end.

The Results – Usually a review would end here, but I have to include that I could actually see results of this facial well after it was over!  I’m not saying I looked like I was 21 again, but I did notice a definite glow and tighter overall appearance of my skin.  And this didn’t just last the day of the facial.  The next day I found myself putting on less makeup because I looked like I had been in the sun (which I hadn’t been…we all know it’s been raining constantly!).  It had to be the “visible radiance” from my Lumafirm facial.  If you’re a MainelyMara member, you can get your radiance at the Regency too (before anyone else does).  Enjoy! 

By: Keriann Russell, Fashion Insider, MainelyMara.com

We’ve all seen them – cute moms strolling their little ones around Back Bay or running errands with their tiny look-a-likes following close behind.  How is it that they work so hard (and you know they’re getting very little sleep!), but they still manage to look so cute?  With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, I thought it was only appropriate to chat with 3 of Portland’s fashionable moms about their style, what they think about this season’s trends and of course, motherhood!

MOM #1:  JENNIFER

Jennifer’s blog, Cute Potato,  is a “Guide to Everything Kid-Friendly in Maine!”  As a mother of two (both under the age of 5), she shares with her readers all of the places and people that her family has discovered over time.  Jennifer is passionate about her family, the state of Maine and her writing (look for her upcoming piece in Maine Magazine next month!).  Much like the activities she plans for her family, she has a fun style that’s all her own.

How would you describe your style?

“I like mixing classic pieces with fun, colorful accessories like bold necklaces & shoes with cute embellishments.  I’m also a sucker for a great print.”

In your closet, what is your go-to outfit for Spring/Summer?

“I found a navy and white sweater dress with three-quarter sleeves at H&M.  I love that I can wear the dress with a belt or pair it with pants when it’s cooler outside.”

What do you love most about being a mom?

“I love going on little adventures with my kids.  Now that it’s getting warmer, we’ll take a few family road trips to places in Maine we have yet to explore.”

MOM #2:  MICHELLE

Michelle is the manager of Bliss and has worked there since they opened their doors 9 years ago.  She is a buyer for the store, so it’s no surprise that her style and eye for fashion is amazing.  As a mother of two little girls (Isabella is 6 and Penelope is 21 months), she balances family and work like a pro.  She even has her own jewelry line called “My Little Anchor,” which she sells in Bliss.  Her creations include beaded earrings and hairpins adorned with new and vintage treasures.  Manager, designer and mom – she really does it all.

How would you describe your style?

“My style can be best described as casual, carefree comfort consisting of textured, neutral-colored layers.  Everything in my wardrobe works together which is great for my busy on-the-go lifestyle.”

What is your favorite accessory for Spring/Summer?

“I ALWAYS have a scarf with me!  A scarf can take a simple outfit to another level.  My most recent scarf purchase is a wispy, striped linen Epice scarf.  It will surely be a staple in my wardrobe for months to come!  I also can’t live without my Chan Luu wrap bracelet – my arm feels naked without it!”

What is one of the best parts about being a mom?

“I love watching my girls grow into their own personalities.  They are alike in so many ways, yet they are into really different things.  They keep me on my toes and make me laugh every single day.  The best part for me is knowing that as a parent I’m helping shape who they become.  All of the things they learn from me now will influence who they become in the future…which is really cool.”

MOM #3:  MARA

MainelyMara members know her for her great local offers and impeccable taste, but did you know she is a mom too?  Little Audrey was born last summer and since then Mara has been juggling her growing business and all the joys that being a new mom brings.

Describe your style – Has it changed since becoming a mom?

“I would describe my style as classic, feminine and on-trend.  Fortunately, I don’t think my style has changed since becoming a Mom (or at least I’ve been trying not to change!).  I don’t think there’s any reason to start wearing “Mom” jeans & sneakers just because you’ve had a baby.  In fact, I think it’s important to still take care of yourself & take pride in how you look to set a good example for your child.”

Now that the warm weather is finally here, what Spring/Summer trend are you most excited about?

“I am most excited to wear a romper this season!  I was very pregnant last summer (and I couldn’t find any maternity rompers!), so I was super jealous of all the cute ones I was seeing.  Lucky for me, they’re back for another season!”

What is one of your favorite things about being a new mom?

“Everything!  It’s so hard to narrow it down to one thing…I have loved every minute of motherhood since my daughter was born 9 months ago.  Some of my favorite things are that every day brings a new discovery – whether it’s learning to clap or feeling grass for the first time – it’s so incredible to see her discovering the world.  Another very fun thing is dressing her!  They make mini versions of all the big trends, from fedoras to boyfriend jeans, and I can’t resist putting her in all of them!”

To all you wonderful (and fashionable) moms out there – Happy Mother’s Day!